At this point, there has been no link between genital HPV and it jumping to become oral HPV. Just because someone have been diagnosed with oral HPV does not mean it will turn out to cause cancer. Studies have shown that the majority of the population will at one point or another get HPV but for most health people their bodies will clear the HPV without it causing any major problems. For a very few HPV+ people it can go on to cause base of tongue or tonsil cancer. Nationwide about 40,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed per year. Out of that figure the majority are now caused by HPV.

If your doctor doesnt take you seriously, get a new one. Your age should NOT be reason to dismiss your concerns! There have been plenty of young (under 25) people diagnosed with oral cancer. Ive seen 17 and 18 year olds diagnosed and have heard of a child of only 13 years old having OC. The most recent statistics show oral cancer in younger patients (under 35) is the highest growing segment of people who get this disease.

There could be several other explanations for your symptoms. Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Could this be a tooth that needs a root canal causing you this pain? Since you mentioned having a cavity, this is what could be causing you all the symptoms. I would suggest going to your dentist first to rule out your teeth are the problem. Then if that doesnt work, seek out an ENT who specializes in oral cancer patients. If the doctor you saw was that type of specialist then he must not see very many OC patients or he would know younger people can get OC too.

Good luck, I hope this turns out to be nothing serious!!!


PS... You mentioned you are young. The Guardisil shot is given to young men and women up to age 26. It can protect you from getting HPV strains which cause oral cancer, genital warts, cervical cancer, and anal cancer. Its a series of 3 shots. if you are in the nursing field, you should have this info easily available to you. I highly recommend getting vaccinated!!!!