How Do Men Get Cancer From Hpv?

"How do men get cancer from HPV?" is a common question concerning issues on HPV infection. The human papilloma virus, also known as HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease. The virus is passed on by sexual contact through genital, anal, and oral sex. Infected individuals are often unaware of their infection as most of the time HPV does not show any symptom. While women are susceptible to cervical cancer, men are also at risk to develop cancer caused by HPV. 

1. Although the development of cancer caused by HPV is more likely in women, men can also develop cancer after infection. Most of the viruses that cause HPV infection often resolve on its own with the immune system being responsible for combating the infection. However, there are some high risk types of viruses, although rare, that cause HPV to become persistent and continuously progress into developing cancer in men.
2. Men can develop anal cancer. The virus that causes HPV can cause symptoms of anal bleeding, itchiness, pain in the anal region that is often accompanied by a discharge. Swollen lymph nodes are present along the groin and anal areas. Men will also experience changes in their bowel movement and shape of their stools. The malignant cell often spreads throughout the anal region that causes these symptoms to occur, usually on the later stage of the malignancy.
3. Oral sex can promote cancer of the oropharynx. This is because the viral infection is transferred on the throat upon oral sexual contact. The most common areas affected are the back of the mouth and the upper part of the throat. The virus affects the cells around the throat area causing them to transform into cancerous cells later on. The person may experience hoarseness, pain, swelling, difficulty to swallow and difficulty to speak.
4. Penile cancer develops upon progression of the viral infection into malignancies. Changes in the color of the penis are noticeable with skin thickening and tissue build-up on the penile area. The advanced stage of cancer will manifest soreness, bleeding, and the development of sore along the penis. Men may manifest genital warts which are curable but in some cases, infection remains to be persistent that eventually progresses into cancer.
5. Most of the time, the cancer symptoms in men are not noticeable until on its advanced stage. Getting an annual anal Pap test is recommended among bisexuals, gays, and HIV-positive men. The test can provide signs of abnormal cells in the anal area that could become cancer overtime. Prompt treatment of HPV is the key to prevent its progression into cancer in men. 

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control: Men and HPV

Mayo Clinic: HPV Infection