Eric, welcome to OCF! If a sore has been in your mouth for 2 weeks or longer then its time to get it checked by a professional. Just by looking at the photo to me it looks like you have thrush with your mouth having a white coating. Thrush can be very painful and is easily cured. I would suggest seeking out an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) who deals with oral cancer patients and get yourself checked out.

The members of this forum are not medical professionals, OCF is mainly comprised of survivors and caregivers. Many of us are very educated from our own experiences and what we have learned from this forum.

HPV affects most of the adult population and for most it can clear itself without any issues but for a small percentage it can cause several types of cancer. Be smart and protect yourself by getting the series of 3 Guardisil shots. At 26 years old, you are still able to get this. It will help protect you from the strains of HPV (16 and 18) which cause oral cancer and several other types as well.

Hope its nothing serious, good luck!!!