Marina,

The only way to test for the presence of HPV in oral cancer is to test the slides from his biopsy. Since he smoked for so long and was a heavy drinker, HPV may not have caused or contributed to his cancer but his age and cancer location seem to point to an HPV connection so if I were you two, I would tell my clinic that I wanted my slides tested for HPV. Forget the cell phone because as of right now these are the only identified causes of oral cancer: Tobacco, alcohol, HPV, Betel seeds and some have also linked marijuana.

Have they mentioned a neck dissection?

Most likely he will receive a combination of chemo and IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) for 6 to 7 weeks. The chemo may be anything from weekly to every 3 weeks and his radiation will most likely be daily unless they double up a day each week. The whole Tx plan is designed to maximize the killing effect of the radiation and they usually give him the maximum dose which is around 72 Gy or greys.

Once you know more please let us know and we will be able to tell you more specifics.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.