….that Gardasil, the youth vaccine for cervical cancer also guards against oral cancer — HPV 16 & 18? Oral cancer has been greatly on the rise due to the human papilloma virus (HPV) over the last several years. It was fist thought to be sexually transmitted — which it certainly can be— but this virus can also be transmitted through other contact also. In the mouth it is most commonly found back in the throat area. If you notice any irregularity with your throat such as hoarseness, change in voice, pain with swallowing or a lump in the throat or neck that doesn’t resolve after two weeks it is best to have it evaluated.