Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV and there are approximately 6 million new cases each year.  Due to the growing frequency and significant potential health risks, the doctors of ORA^® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio in Chicago uniquely offer and strongly recommend regular oral HPV screening just like other crucial screening exams, such as the pap test for women and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for men.

Oral HPV is a manifestation of the HPV virus in the mouth, and is primarily found in the oropharyngeal complex. Specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be separate and serious risk factor for developing oral cancers. Early detection and identification of the presence or absence of oral HPV is important, as early oral HPV infections do not typically cause any clinical signs or symptoms. HPV16 (along with HPV18) is the same virus responsible for the vast majority of all cervical cancers and is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US – Orally and genitally.

The OraRisk HPV test is a non-invasive, easy-to-use screening tool to identify the type(s) of oral HPV, a mucosal viral infection that could potentially lead to oral cancer. OraRisk HPV enables Dr. Koos to establish if you have an increased risk for oral cancer and determine appropriate treatment and monitoring conditions.  The OraRisk HPV test is quickly and easily administered by Dr. Koos chairside, and takes about a minute to complete.

Who should be tested?

• Patients with traditional risk factors for oral cancer
• Patients who are sexually active
• Patients with signs and symptoms of oral cancer
• Patients with suspicious Oral lesions