Ian, try to relax until you get to see the ENT. It would be very unusual for someone your age to have oral cancer(not unheard of, but unusual) While there is a connection possibility with HPV and oral sexual contact, it would not likely result in a rapid cancer growth. I'll wager this is some kind of infection. Now that I said that, don't forget to tell the ENT that you have had these symptoms for quite a while. A biopsy is perhaps a good idea.

If it turns out to be the worst, you still have hope.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.