Important to know: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is not only a women's health issue, nor is it limited to the cervix. First in Israel: The HPV Center at Ichilov offers early detection screening and long-term surveillance for individuals with HPV infection in the head and neck region, while providing coordinated referral to all relevant HPV-related specialties. HPV-associated head and neck cancer is approximately three times more common in men than in women.
The Rationale for Establishing the HPV Center
Human papillomavirus (HPV) was traditionally viewed as a virus associated primarily with women. In recent years, however, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Otolaryngology (ENT) service at Ichilov have observed a concerning rise in cases of HPV-associated oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, particularly among men. On average, we encounter one patient per week with advanced, invasive head and neck cancer.
According to current data from the United States and England, HPV-associated head and neck cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer, exceeding HPV-associated cervical cancer.
At our Center, we offer a multidisciplinary care model that emphasizes prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term follow-up, with particular focus on the head and neck region. This approach is comparable to the field of cervical cancer, where an organized protocol began to take shape in 1928 following the development of the Pap test, contributing over the years to a reduction of more than 50% in invasive cancer cases.
The Ichilov HPV Center is the first and only center of its kind in Israel and worldwide. It is dedicated to early detection, prevention, research, and treatment of benign and malignant HPV-associated lesions.
The Center provides:
- · Initial assessment and follow-up of individuals carrying the virus using dedicated equipment.
- · Treatment of benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions.
- · Research, promotion of vaccination awareness, education, and prevention
Dr. Ortal Ben Aharon
Services and Treatments at the Center
- · Screening examinations for early detection of HPV in the oral cavity and pharynx, as well as in other HPV-associated anatomical sites.
- · Head and neck examination, anal anoscopy examination, and urological examination.
- · Long-term follow-up of individuals carrying the virus.
- · Preventive treatment.
- · Biopsies; excision of premalignant and malignant tumors; adjuvant and supportive treatment.
- · Treatment of benign lesions (condylomata and warts) in all relevant anatomical sites using the most advanced equipment available.
- · Personalized medicine, including innovative and investigational treatments used internationally
- for the various cancer types.
Who Is the Center Intended For?
The Center provides early detection of HPV at the various relevant anatomical sites, with particular emphasis on the head and neck region, for men and women aged 18 years and older.
It also provides treatment for HPV-associated premalignant and malignant lesions, as well as benign lesions (warts and condylomata) at the relevant anatomical sites.
Background, Vision, and Treatment Approach
At Ichilov, we have concluded that effective, accurate, and uniquely designed research; early detection of the virus at the various relevant anatomical sites; and long-term follow-up may help patients prevent the development of malignant lesions or identify malignant lesions at an early stage. This may improve prognosis and enable treatment that is substantially less aggressive than has traditionally been used.
Through the Center, we aim to increase public awareness of HPV; promote prevention through education about vaccination; facilitate early detection of the virus at the various relevant anatomical sites, particularly in the head and neck region; provide long-term follow-up; and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s medical needs.
Early-Detection Examinations at the HPV Center
- · Head and neck examination — NIS 460.
- · Proctologic examination — NIS 460: anoscopy examination. Click for further information and details about the examination.
- · Urological examination — NIS 460.
*The head and neck examination is strongly recommended. These examinations are not included in the national health basket. Patients are advised to check whether reimbursement may be available through private insurance.
From Right to Left
- · Dr. Howard Oster, Deputy Director of the Internal Medicine Division.
- · Prof. Amos Adler, Director of the Microbiology Laboratory.
- · Dr. Ortal Ben Aharon, Director of the HPV Clinic.
- · Dr. Kliriel Yankelovich, Deputy Director of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- · Dr. Inbar Finkel, Director of the Head and Neck Tumors Service, Oncology Division.
- · Dr. Roy Zucker, Director of LGBTQ+ Medicine.
- · Dr. Snir Dekalo, Director of Andrology, Department of Urology.
Not pictured:
- · Dr. Anton Varshevsky, specialist in otolaryngology (ENT) and head and neck diseases.
- · Dr. Yifat Oxenhorn, Director of the Clinic for Cervical Health and Cervical Diseases, Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital
HPV Facts
According to current scientific literature, more than 800 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified. Approximately 400 of these are known to infect humans and may affect multiple anatomical sites, including the head and neck region, cervix, rectum, penis, skin, heart, eyes, and lungs.
The areas most commonly affected by HPV are the head and neck region and the cervix.
The 12 high-risk HPV types include HPV 16 and 18, as well as a group known as “other high-risk HPV types,” which includes types 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59.
HPV type 16 is associated with approximately 85%–96% of HPV-related cancers.
HPV types 6 and 11 are considered low-risk types and are primarily associated with benign lesions in different anatomical sites, including warts.
According to recent data from the United States and the United Kingdom, HPV-associated head and neck cancer is now the most common HPV-related cancer, surpassing HPV-associated cervical cancer.
HPV-associated head and neck cancer is approximately three times more common in men than in women.
Unfortunately, awareness of head and neck and oral cavity cancers remains low, despite being among the most common cancers worldwide.
At the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the ENT Division at Ichilov, we have observed a concerning increase in recent years in the number of patients diagnosed with HPV-associated oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as a trend toward younger age groups among affected patients.
According to 2023 data from the United States, there were 19,775 cases of HPV-associated head and neck cancer, compared with 12,143 cases of HPV-associated cervical cancer.
Globally, head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 870,000 new cases and 440,000 deaths annually (2020 data), compared with approximately 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year, resulting in approximately 160,000 deaths among women.
Current studies from the United States indicate that approximately 70%–80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are associated with HPV infection, representing a major risk factor alongside — and in some cases exceeding — traditional risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Approximately 65% of patients present with advanced-stage disease, requiring more aggressive treatment and associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes. In addition, recurrence rates remain significant, reaching approximately 40%–50% within five years.
In contrast, cervical cancer has benefited from established screening protocols that began to develop following the introduction of the Pap test in 1928. Over time, these programs have contributed to a reduction of more than 50% in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer.
Early detection of HPV-associated cancers of the head and neck, rectum, penis, and skin is one of the most important factors in improving prognosis and survival outcomes.
Vaccination and early detection are the two most important strategies for prevention, improving prognosis, and increasing survival rates.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of HPV infection is vaccination. Several FDA-approved HPV vaccines are available, each providing protection against different HPV types. GARDASIL 9 protects against nine HPV types, including high-risk types associated with malignant lesions and low-risk types associated with genital warts and other benign HPV-related lesions.
HPV vaccination is also recommended for individuals with existing HPV infection, as it may help protect against infection with additional HPV types and reduce the risk of future infections.
The vaccine is administered as a three-dose series: the second dose is given two months after the first dose, and the third dose is given four months after the second dose.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls.
Vaccination is recommended from ages 11–12 through age 45; however, there is no contraindication to receiving the vaccine beyond age 45 following medical consultation.
Vaccine effectiveness is higher when administered at a younger age.
Links to Scientific Literature and Articles from Our Research: How Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Affects Male Fertility
1. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and the Current State of Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevention and Treatment
2. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head&Neck Surgery | OriginalInvestigation Oral HumanPapillomavirus Prevalence and Genotyping Among a Healthy Adult Population in the US
3. Understanding personal risk of oropharyngeal cancer: risk-groups for oncogenic oral HPV infection and oropharyngeal cancer
4. Prognostic Implication of Persistent Human Papillomavirus Type 16 DNA Detection in Oral Rinses for Human Papillomavirus Related Oropharyngeal Carcinoma
5. Testing for Human Papillomaviruses in Urine, Blood, and Oral Specimens: an Update for the Laboratory
Dr. Ortal Ben Aharon and Dr. Klariel Yankelovich at the Ichilov HPV Center
Dr. Ortal Ben Aharon on N12: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Click to Watch>