I'm also curious about your "treated for external HPV" comment. Do you mean you had warts?

Being confirmed HPV+ through a FNA (biopsy) which, as Brian says is the ONLY way to confirm the existence of oral cancer, I have spent a great deal of time learning as much as is known about HPV and everything that Brian told you is 100% correct.

BTW HPV related oral cancer is not that rare anymore. In fact over 70% of the cancer now found in the Orophyrnx region which includes the Base of Tongue and Tonsils are caused by HPV and usually the strain HPV16 and with the decline in worldwide tobacco use, HPV is fast becoming the leading cause of oral cancer.

There is a condition known as Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis which is associated with HPV and does cause bumps, if you will, in the respiratory track making breathing difficult. It's more common in children but adults can get this as well but I doubt from your description that is what you may have.

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.