Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are the main risk factors for tonsil cancer:
Tobacco Use
People who smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco products have an increased risk for tonsil cancer.
Alcohol Consumption
Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption puts you at risk for tonsil cancer. Use of both alcohol and tobacco puts you at even higher risk.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that could put you at risk for head and neck cancer, particularly cancer of the oropharynx.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop tonsil cancer than women.
Age
The risk for tonsil cancer increases with age. Most patients are over the age of 50 at diagnosis.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
People diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus may have an increased risk for tonsil cancer.
