Welcome klrm!

As far as HPV-16 related head and neck cancer, it mainly occurs in the oropharynx (tonsil, base of tongue) and rarely in the oral mouth, so the HPV test is not usually part of oral//tongue cancer work up, which is done by testing the biopsy sample, and when it does occur in other areas like larynx, nasopharynx, oral mouth, some are thought to be misdiagnosis, or metastases from the oropharynx. In addition, studies showed there is no positive benefit with HPV in other areas as it does have in the oropharynx, as far as my readings.

I learned of Emory University's Winship Cancer Center a few years go, mainly from reading Dr Dong Moon Shin's reports about chemoprevention, which is not about chemo per say, but in reducing recurrences, cancer risk. Emory is a NCI, National Cancer Institute, designated Cancer Center, so I'm sure you're in good hands, but many do get 2nd opinions.

Good luck, and if you have any questions, just ask.