Welcome to OCF! A few things you wrote concern me. Your dentist showing no concern is NOT right! Neither is how the oral surgeon took a sample and told you it is HPV. Wasnt that a biopsy he did? I would NOT have it removed until you know exactly what you are dealing with. If you dont already have copies of the HPV pathology report, ask for it along with any office visit notes for the past 5 months of when the spot was found. Then get yourself to an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients. Specifically ask when making the appointment, you do NOT want an ENT who mainly puts tubes in childrens ears. Im not saying its oral cancer (OC). It could be any number of things that are not serious. But you need a qualified professional (ENT) to give you a thorough exam and biopsy that spot to find out exactly what it is. Its likely going to be a few weeks until an ENT can see you so find positive things to do that will keep your mind focused so you dont worry as much. Worrying never changed anything or made anyone feel better. I know waiting to find out stinks but its a necessary evil that we all must go thru to find out what our concern turns out to be. Hopefully yours wont be anything serious.

Now I want to address vaping. I know vaping is newer and is touted as being a safe alternative to smoking. In reality, vaping does not have all the years of testing behind it to even know all the dangers it entails. Some studies have uncovered even when the package says its safe, there still are cancer causing chemicals released when vaping. I suggest you put a conscious effort into avoiding vaping (hopefully quitting completely) and any other irritants like alcohol or mouthwash that contains alcohol. As a former smoker I know its not easy to quit. But, please let this scare be your wake up call and eliminate ALL forms of tobacco for good. You sure dont want to look back on your years of vaping and say to yourself .... "if only I had quit" while suffering from some of the many life altering ailments caused by smoking and vaping. To be completely honest with you, thats something I could say and oh how I wish I could turn back time. I could have avoided going thru over 10 years of hell and losing half my lower jaw all due to my little "habit" of smoking. Sorry for nagging but please get rid of tobacco in any form. I would hate to see anyone go thru even alf of what I have when it is preventable just by avoiding tobacco in all forms.

Please let us know how you make out. Best wishes!!!