Misskate,

I was younger than you when I was diagnosed 4+ years ago (just turned 32) and had zero risk factors. I had 1/3 of my tongue removed and a modified neck disection. I also went through radiation.

The information on HPV is good above. You should ask your doctors to check for it just in case.

Take care and fight hard,
Jim

T3N2aM0 SCC right oral tongue. Partial Glosectomy, Modified Neck disection for 1 Lymph Node. Dec. 2002. 35 IMRT 2003.