I will be curious what the doctor says too, and is worth mentioning. Tumors may or may not show on a scan depending on it's size. HPV, at least in the oropharynx, can be fought off and be undetectable at the primary or metastasizes quickly to the lymphs taking all nutrients with them and killing off the primary sometimes, and HPV are usually small tumors, T1, T2, but the nodes can be much bigger due to nutrients in that area. A PET/CT can go as low as 5mm. I had one that found a 3x7mm that was picked up. I had tonsil cancer, and a pandendoscopy was done to see if there was any other cancer in the upper aero digestive tract, but was never tested for HPV, which was mentioned was probably the cause. Some say the scope is not necessary as HPV oropharynx related is usually confined to the oropharynx, tonsils, base of tongue, unlike tobacco/alcohol related that has a "field of cancerization" that can effect the mucosal anywhere in the upper aerodigestive tract that may cause secondary, synchronous, metachrounous tumors. Also, I read that positive benefit of having HPV is for the oropharynx only, and not found in other locations with HPV, so you may want to ask about that too.

Sorry for the tongue pain. I only had a punch, and incisional biopsy, and that was painful. Good luck with your doctor appointment.