Dawn, I also presented with a grape-sized submandibular node. These can be many other things than cancer, remember - like a cyst (which is what they thought mine was). I had no warts or any other outward indication of HPV. In fact I don't think I've ever manifested any HPV symptoms at all, and I've probably had it all my adult life.

The ENT will do a find needle aspiration (FNA) of the lymph node and have it biopsied. It's no big deal, a little pinch. I know it's hard not to worry, but I was told that 80% or more of these things are benign. So take heart and let us know what he/she says.

David2

David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 15 years all clear in 6/24 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18