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.



10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs