Hi Martin... okay... there are several things at work here. First off do book a visit to either a free screening clinic - if you find one, or to see an ENT - a family doctor, or even a doctor at a free clinic, can give you a referral. Oral surgeons are great but if you do have Oral cancer - an ENT is the person to see to begin with. So start off there. I imagine price wise they are close? Im sorry Im canadian so paying for a doctor is not something we do here. But ultimately a biopsy is a biopsy.

Do not say HPV to them. Go in tell the doctor your concern re the nodules and such. let them look, do their biopsy and decide. HPV doesn't have to come into play at all. If you are diagnosed with cancer (after the biopsy results) then you can find out if it is HPV related. They will likely test you. Regardless, cancer is cancer and it will be treated a specific way. As far as I gather (someone here can correct me if I am wrong) HPV related cancer is usually found in the Base of the tongue (not visible to you - it's basically down your throat) secondary lesions may move up into your oral cavity, but the primary is likely in your throat area, or in some cases not locatable ( occult ) I am not sure if tonisillary cancer is also HPV related, but if so then you might notice a tumor, or redness, or white patches there. However what I gather, issues on your gums and cheeks, and tongue and palate and floor of your mouth, aren't necessarily HPV related.

Not to say that you may not have cancer if it is in these areas, but rather that it may not be HPV related. Heavy drinking, and smoking are common causes, though I do neither and still ended up with it (and Im HPV neg). So bottom line... don't worry about your sexual history. Dont worry about HPV (it doesn't always become a cancer) worry about getting to an ENT guy and getting a biopsy.

I am sorry about your partner and his having had to go through this. He may have had HPV related cancer - but that doesn't mean you do.

I am surprised that any doctor would turn away a patient who may or may not have HPV - unless you are having sex with the doctor it shouldn't matter.

Anway... best of luck... I know not having insurance sucks... but do spend the money to get checked. It may save your life.

take care and fingers crossed you don't have it. PS - if you are curious if you have HPV any family doctor can write a requisition for the test...