I have to say the referral process here in Canada is okay. It generally helps to do your homework before hand and find a specific name of a dr. you would like to be seen by. Most drs will refer within their group of peers, but that's not always the best option. Find out the name of a top ENT with a history of dealing with Oral cancer, and ask for a referral from your family dr. The have no grounds to deny you this request.

No onto our description of what you have.

HPV related oral cancer (tonsil related, or base of tongue (which is actually found down your throat) is often found in men and women over the age of 35) It is related to a certain strain of HPV 16 and I think the lesser known 18 (someone will correct me if I am wrong)

Tongue cancer - Oral tongue cancer - is traditionally NON HPV related - and can hit at any age though traditionally it has been found in older men who are heavy smokers and drinkers.

A combo tonsil/tongue cancer would be very RARE - the only instance that I would expect this would be if the cancer was such a size that it spread from - say the tonsil downward into the actual physical tongue (or vice versa) I'm thinking at that point with that much involvement it would be manifesting in your nodes as well and possibly causing other issues.

I guess I'm trying to say - Try not to worry. But also make sure you get an examination by a qualified ENT who specializes in Oral cancer - that way you know - if he says you're clear - that its likely very true. HUGS.