I want to know if the cause of my positive p16 test means that I am HPV positive. What is the best way to determine if I am, in fact, HPV positive, and if so, what strain?

I have asked my doctors and they said the subject is of academic interest but of no clinical value.

While I agree that the knowledge would not have changed my treatment decision, I want to know. There might be clinical value to the information in the future. Is it best to have the tissue tested while it is still fresh?

How have others approached this issue? Any help would be appreciated.

On another note, I had my first IMRT treatment today and will have my first concurrent Cisplatin treatment tomorrow.
Thanks

I

Frank

SCC Right Tonsil Dx 2/25/2008 at age 43
T1N2B M0,Stage IVa
8mm primary removed 3/5/08
4cm lymph node removed 2/22/08
2 additional sub cm nodes
Tx at Stanford: 30 x IMRT, 2 x Cisplatin,
Started radiation 3/27/08, Completed 5/7/08
p16+, HPV 16+
2 Year Post-TX PET CT 5/10 - CLEAR