Dad who nearly lost tongue to cancer urges men's virus awareness

A dad-of-two nearly lost his tongue after a small lump under his jaw turned out to be cancer.

HPV is a common group of viruses affecting the skin, which do not cause problems in most people but certain types can cause cancer or genital warts.

Anthony, from Cardiff, said: "I'd only ever heard of HPV in relation to cervical cancer. I had no idea it could cause cancers like this, especially in men."

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Anthony added: "I consider myself lucky that I can still eat and talk, but if I'd left it much later, I could have lost my tongue or even died."

Most people who become infected with HPV will clear the virus from their body, NHS Wales says.

But it can cause genital warts, or even develop into cancer - most commonly head and neck for men and cervical for women.

A vaccine is recommended by the NHS for children aged 12 and 13 and people at higher risk from HPV.

"If you find a lump, even if it doesn't hurt, get it checked," he said.

"This kind of cancer isn't talked about enough, especially among men. Early action really does save lives."

Despite not having any symptoms, a CT scan, biopsy and MRI confirmed the disease in March 2023.

"I had a three-year-old and a six-year-old at the time. My first thought wasn't about me, it was about them. I was completely petrified for them," the now-41-year-old said.

Anthony had 44 lymph nodes from his neck removed, and the primary tumour, at the base of his tongue, was eventually found using robotic-assisted surgery.

"They told me they caught it just in time," he said.

"One of the lymph nodes was on the verge of rupturing. If it had gone any further, it could have spread."

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy was tough, and Anthony lost 22kg (48.5 lbs) in weight.

"All of my saliva disappeared," he said.

"Even drinking was difficult, as everything turned to powder in my mouth.

"I was so weak that I eventually needed a wheelchair."

He added: "Being wheeled down the corridor and into radiotherapy was starting to affect my mental health.

"But my family gave me the motivation to get through it and I wanted to live to see my 40th birthday."

It can be caught from skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, vaginal, anal or oral sex, and sharing sex toys.

A vaccine is offered as part of a national immunisation programme in Wales and works best when given to children aged 12 and 13.

University Hospital of Wales says the vaccine has cut cervical cancer rates by almost 90% in women in their 20s since it was introduced in 2008.

Sandeep Berry, consultant otolaryngologist head and neck surgeon at Cardiff and Vale health board, urged parents to encourage their children to receive the vaccine.

He said: "The HPV vaccine has been used worldwide for years, it's safe and effective, and is part of the national immunisation programme in Wales.

"It helps boys and girls stay healthy, prevents HPV-related cancer and strengthens public health overall.

"The vaccine is given in Year 8 as it's when the immune system responds most strongly and before sexual activity begins."