The HPV virus invades the squamous cells found in the BOT and tonsils and basically overrides 2 "built in" cellular safe guards that prevents a normal cell from reproducing too soon and too often, i.e., the now defective cell reproduces at a fast rate and can not be stopped (without radiation) and that is a very basic definition of the oral cancer caused by HPV.

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.