When a seemingly harmless lump appeared on his neck, Frank Lane assumed it was just swollen glands.
But within weeks, the 60-year-old father of two found himself in a doctor’s office hearing words that would upend his life: throat cancer.
Even more startling, the underlying cause was an infection he had unknowingly carried for decades, originating from an intimate act few would imagine could have such severe consequences.
Frank Lane, from Hampshire, UK, was shocked to learn that his throat cancer was linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), most likely contracted through oral sex.
It all began in November 2023, when Frank noticed a firm lump on the right side of his neck while shaving—about the size of an egg. Initially dismissing it as swollen glands from a tough gym session, he waited, hoping it would resolve. But after two weeks with no change, he decided to see his doctor.
During the examination, the GP could see the lump protruding from the top of his tonsils. Frank also noted unusual fatigue and restless nights, which he had chalked up to age and work stress. A biopsy was performed, and ten days later, the results confirmed the unthinkable: throat cancer.
“I thought it was nonsense,” Frank admitted. Having quit smoking ten years earlier, he didn’t consider himself at risk. His doctor explained that the cancer was linked to HPV—a virus widely known for causing cervical cancer in women, but which can also infect throat cells. The revelation surprised him and even his friends, who initially laughed until they understood the seriousness.
Doctors estimated that Frank had carried the virus for roughly 40 years, likely contracted around age 20 during his time in the army. “I wasn’t with loads of different girls,” he said, “but I was having fun.”
Treatment was arduous. Frank endured two rounds of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of intensive radiotherapy—a process he described as more painful than anything in his 12 years of army service. Fortunately, the treatment was successful, and he is now cancer-free, attending checkups every two months.
Today, Frank shares his story to raise awareness about HPV-related throat cancer, encouraging people to pay attention to unusual symptoms. While he jokes that avoiding oral sex is the safest route, his real message is clear: “If you notice anything unusual, don’t ignore it. Get it checked out.”
Conclusion
Frank Lane’s experience underscores that throat cancer can arise from unexpected causes, including HPV infections contracted decades earlier. His journey—from a minor symptom to a life-altering diagnosis and eventual survival—highlights the importance of early detection, regular medical checkups, and increased awareness of HPV’s broader health risks.