First go to the main body of the web site and there is an entire section on HPV along with a link to tons of scientific articles on the mechanisms of its association with oral cancer. Actually this virus is the primary cause of 95% of all cervical cancers and it has been studied at great length. There is also an excellent lecture link by Dr, Maura Gillison who is one of THE authorities on this subject. In all cancers there is an alteration of the genetic code of the cell (also discussed in the main site) caused by some outside factor, chemicals, radiation, viruses, whatever. It would appear that in many instances including HPV, a particular gene, p53, which is responsible for apoptosis, or natural cellular death, becomes defective during a mutation caused by one of these agents. Apoptosis, or cell suicide if you like, is a normal process by which the body replaces cells on a regular schedule, and also kills off ones which it recognizes as defective in some way. Without p53 which controls this, the cell becomes immortal, which is essentially the most basic definition of a cancer cell. With this natural mechanism gone, the cell replicates and the daughter cells carry the defect with them, until there are enough to form a group, or tumor. This is a very simplified description of the process, which has been an area of great interest to me, as I too had none of the conventional risk factors for oral cancer, No tobacco, no alcohol. I wish you well in your treatments, and in your search for answers. Just remember that the reasons why right now are not important to you. The only thing that you have to focus on right now is making good treatment choices, and fighting the fight. Why is essentially an academic issue. We