Key Highlights
- Michael Douglas and voice actor Sam Riegel have discussed HPV-linked oral and throat cancer diagnoses.
- Riegel discovered a possible warning sign after losing the ability to taste sweet foods and was later diagnosed with tonsil cancer.
- Persistent symptoms such as a sore throat, hoarseness, ear pain, swollen lymph nodes and difficulty swallowing should be assessed by a doctor.
Michael Douglas and Sam Riegel Discuss HPV-Linked Cancer
Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer, which some readers may find distressing.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common viral infection often associated with cervical cancer, can also be linked to cancers of the mouth and throat. American actors Michael Douglas and Sam Riegel have both spoken publicly about being diagnosed with HPV-related cancers, raising awareness of oropharyngeal cancer and its possible symptoms.
Michael Douglas was the first to discuss his experience publicly after receiving a 2010 diagnosis of stage-four squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Douglas said he believed the cancer was connected to HPV transmitted through oral sex. The diagnosis left the actor describing his treatment as physically and emotionally overwhelming.
Sam Riegel, known for his voice-acting work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, later shared a similar experience. Riegel said he had been healthy and felt well before noticing a sudden change in his sense of taste in 2024.
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Sam Riegel’s Tonsil Cancer Symptoms
Riegel recalled that his usual breakfast of oatmeal with blueberries and honey began tasting bitter because he could no longer detect sweetness. He initially thought the change might be related to COVID-19, but doctors later diagnosed him with tonsil cancer, a form of oropharyngeal carcinoma. A doctor reportedly identified the problem after examining his tonsils, and Riegel later confirmed that HPV was responsible.
“I was a happy, healthy father of two kids and husband to an incredible wife, just going about my life. I was honestly feeling great.”
As a professional voice actor, Riegel was particularly concerned that the illness and treatment could permanently affect his voice and diction.
“As a voice actor, I was particularly anxious about regaining my voice and diction.“My salivary glands were damaged. My mouth was constantly dry. Scar tissue was tight in my throat, and neck muscles were raw.”
Both Riegel and Douglas recovered and continued their acting careers. Riegel said he needed daily exercises and months of physical therapy to rebuild the strength and flexibility of his mouth. He also reported that his taste and saliva returned about a year after radiation treatment.
“After months of physical therapy, my mouth strength and flexibility improved. And about a year after radiation, my taste and saliva came back.“When it does come up, I’m able to laugh about my experiences and share tips with other folks going through it.”
Symptoms of Oral HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer
People should contact a doctor if symptoms persist or become concerning. Symptoms associated with oral HPV or oropharyngeal cancer can include:
- A long-lasting sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Ear pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
Some people have no symptoms, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also states that serious HPV infections can cause warts or cancer. Persistent or unusual symptoms require medical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
What Michael Douglas Said About His Throat Cancer
Douglas described the severity of his illness and treatment in a 2013 interview with The Guardian. He said chemotherapy and radiation had left him extremely weak and that the treatment affected his ability to function normally.
“That’s a rough ride. That can really take it out of you.”Plus the amount of chemo I was getting, it zaps all the good stuff too. It made me very weak.”
In his memoir One Helluva Ride, Douglas also described wearing a rigid thermoplastic mesh mask during treatment and the distress caused by the procedure.
“I felt like I was suffocating, completely powerless,”
He added:
“At first the pain was bad but manageable, but by the third week I was in real trouble.”
Why This Matters
The experiences of Michael Douglas and Sam Riegel highlight that HPV can be associated with cancers affecting areas of the throat and mouth, not only cervical cancer. Riegel’s account also shows that changes in taste, voice, swallowing or throat comfort may warrant medical attention, even when a person otherwise feels healthy. Both actors ultimately returned to their careers, although Riegel’s recovery required extended rehabilitation after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HPV be linked to throat cancer?
Yes. HPV can be associated with oropharyngeal cancers, including cancers affecting the tonsils and other parts of the throat.
What symptoms can oral HPV-related cancer cause?
Possible symptoms include a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, ear pain, swollen lymph nodes, painful swallowing and unexplained weight loss. Some people may have no symptoms.
What did Sam Riegel notice before his diagnosis?
Riegel noticed that he could no longer taste sweet foods. His breakfast of oatmeal with blueberries and honey began tasting bitter before he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer.
