I found out when they biopsied my primary. If you read the other (many) postings here related to HPV, (search function in both the board, and then on the main web site) you will see that it does not alter treatments, though there appears to be at least in preliminary research some survival advantage, but the final word on that will not be out for years. If you wish to aviod some of this with your children, as genetic links are not a significant factor in oral cancers, have them vaccinated with the new Guardacil product. Most of the research work being done on HPV and oral cancers at least to the extent that it involved clinical trial and patient data collection is being done back east, and the epicenter of all this is at Johns Hopkins.

As to helping others not step into this same whole, this is the issue with oral cancers in general. We have a huge public disconnect when it comes to awareness about this disease in general, let alone those that may be tied to HPV. We can have significant impact by being out there and vocal through the foundation, health fairs, media interviews, and many other non research arenas.

I suggest that you do a search for Gail Mac on the boards and drop her a quick email. You will find her a wealth of knowlege and just coming out of a situation not unlike yours.