Keith,

This last week I attended a lecture by Dr. Edmond Truelove, former chair of Oral Medicine at the University of Washington, on Oral Cancer at the Pacific Northwest Dental Convention in Seattle that went over his recent oral cancer research which included dysplastic conditions in the oral cavity.

It was really quite fascinating and I learned a lot about dysplasia (Lichen Planus, lichenoid reactions etc) as it pertains to oral cancer. HPV+ oral cancer develops in the Base of Tongue area and rear oropharynx (tonsils etc) in an area that is hard to detect and no visible early warning signs like dysplasia that we currently know. There has also been no evidence that I've seen that indicates the virus can be transmitted via saliva or kissing.

That being said, there are a lot more questions than answers when it comes to Oral Cancer obviously so vigilance and precaution, if only for peace of mind, makes sense. I wouldn't let it consume me in anyway, however I would make sure to get regular checkups with a Dental Oncologist or ENT that uses a VELscope screening device to monitor the dysplasia and keep a photo record of it to monitor changes etc.