Often HPV+ OC patients experience no symptoms at all which is why they are diagnosed not until the cancer is in its later stages. Common minor ailments such as an ear aches, cough, feeling like something is stuck in the throat, difficulty swallowing are all signs that you should get checked out. It can take many years for HPV to turn into cancer and in most people it will clear itself before this happens.

It sounds to me like even though you are young you are knowledgeable enough to advocate for yourself. Do not let the doctor dismiss your age without giving you a thorough exam.

Best wishes!


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile