What type of cancer did Anthony Perriam have?

Anthony Perriam had an HPV-related cancer in his head and neck, located at the base of his tongue.

What are the side effects of HPV cancer treatment?

Treatment for HPV-related cancer can cause severe side effects like complete loss of saliva, difficulty eating and drinking, significant weight loss, and weakness requiring a wheelchair.

Why is the HPV vaccine important?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for children and at-risk individuals as it helps prevent HPV-related cancers, and has shown significant success in reducing cervical cancer rates.

Home / Health / Dad's lump was HPV cancer: 'Nearly lost my tongue'

Dad's lump was HPV cancer: 'Nearly lost my tongue'

7 Feb

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Summary

A small lump under the jaw was diagnosed as HPV-related head and neck cancer.
Anthony Perriam underwent surgery and chemotherapy, losing 22kg.
He urges others to get any lumps checked, especially men.

Dad's lump was HPV cancer: 'Nearly lost my tongue'

A father of two from Cardiff received a life-altering HPV-related cancer diagnosis after a small lump appeared under his jaw. Anthony Perriam, 41, was diagnosed in March 2023, just in time to save his tongue. The cancer was located at the base of his tongue, and one of his 44 removed lymph nodes was close to rupturing.

His treatment involved extensive robotic-assisted surgery, followed by taxing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This process resulted in a 22kg weight loss and severe side effects, including a complete loss of saliva, making eating and drinking difficult and requiring a wheelchair. Perriam emphasized that he had no prior knowledge of HPV causing cancer in men.

He stressed the critical importance of seeking medical attention for any lumps, regardless of pain, and highlighted that this type of cancer is under-discussed, especially among men. The HPV vaccine, recommended for 12 and 13-year-olds and at-risk individuals, has significantly reduced cervical cancer rates, and health professionals urge uptake for its preventative benefits against various HPV-related cancers.