Hi Nancy! Im sorry, I am not an expert about HPV but I do know some info. At this time there is more unknown about HPV than is known. That is why research is so important. OCF funds research projects to try to find the answers to many tough questions including how some get HPV while others dont. The best thing young people ages 12-26 can do (both male and female) is to get the series of three Guardisil shots. This will protect them for the 2 most common cancer causing strains of HPV #16 and #18. Besides oral cancer, HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer and genital warts. By getting the shots it will protect the young people from going thru what you currently are. I suggest taking a look at the HPV info on the main OCF pages.

HPV

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile