Li Bubije
BBC Wales
A father-of-two almost lost his tongue after a small lump under his jaw turned out to be cancer.
When he first felt a lump, Anthony Perriam went to his GP, and within weeks he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a common group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes.
They do not cause problems for most people, but certain types can cause cancer and genital warts (condyloma).
"Before that, I had only heard of HPV in connection with cervical cancer."
"I had no idea it could cause these types of cancers, especially in men," says Anthony from Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
"I consider myself lucky that I can still eat and speak, but if I had reacted much later, I could have lost my tongue or even died," Anthony adds.
Warning: This text contains images that may be disturbing.
Most people who become infected with HPV are able to clear the virus from their bodies, says the National Health Service Wales.
However, HPV can cause genital warts or lead to cancer - most commonly head and neck cancer in men, and cervical cancer in women.
The British National Health Service (NHS) recommends HPV vaccination for children aged 12 and 13, as well as for people who are at increased risk of HPV infection.
"If you feel a lump, even if it doesn't hurt, be sure to see a doctor to get it checked out," he says.
"This type of cancer is not talked about enough, especially among men."
"Early response really does save lives."
Although he had no symptoms, a computed tomography (CT) scan, biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed that he had cancer in March 2023.
"At that time my children were three and six years old.
"I didn't think of myself first, but of them."
"I was completely terrified of them," says the 41-year-old.
Anthony had 44 lymph nodes removed from his neck, and the primary tumor, at the root of his tongue, was eventually found using robotic surgery.
"They told me they discovered it at the last minute," says Anthony.
"One of the lymph nodes was on the verge of bursting."
"If the disease had progressed a little further, the cancer could have spread."
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were very difficult - Anthony lost 22 kilograms.
"I've completely lost my saliva," he says.
"I could barely even drink because everything in my mouth turned to dust."
"I was so weak that I ended up needing a wheelchair."
He describes how he endured it all.
“The wheelchair ride down the corridor to the radiotherapy room started to affect my mental health.
"But my family gave me the strength to endure everything and I wanted to see my 40th birthday," says Anthony.
Watch this video: Everything you need to know about the HPV vaccine
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects the skin and mucous membranes, and there are more than 100 different types of this virus.
It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as by sharing sexual accessories.
The HPV vaccine is offered as part of the national immunisation programme in Wales and gives the best results when given between the ages of 12 and 13.
The University Hospital of Wales says that since the introduction of the vaccine in 2008, cervical cancer rates have been reduced by almost 90 percent in women in their twenties.
Sandeep Berry, consultant otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at the local health board, urged parents to encourage their children to receive the vaccine.
"The HPV vaccine has been used worldwide for years, is safe and effective and is available as part of the national immunisation programme in Wales," he says.
“It helps boys and girls stay healthy, prevents HPV-related cancers, and improves public health.”
"The vaccine is given in the eighth grade of elementary school, because that's when the immune system reacts most strongly, even before sexual activity begins."
Watch the video: Five things to know about cervical cancer
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