Then I would also ask for my cells to be tested for HPV. It's not clear what causes the cells to go malignant in the first place but if a person uses tobacco then it is assumed caused by tobacco. If a person never smoked they will sometimes get tested for HPV and if it comes back positive then HPV is presumed to be the cause and recent studies have shown a distinct biological difference between the two SCC cells. That same study concluded that HPV+ SCC responds better to treatment and (therefore) also has a lesser chance of reoccurrance. There is also a small percentage of SCC that isn't associated with either including the ones associated with eating betel nuts. Since I hadn't smoked for 30 plus years I pressed to find out how I got this cancer and I felt better knowing than wondering.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.