Just a general comment about HPV. I had tonsil cancer ( left side ) with affected lymph node. Had radical neck dissection and finished radiation in January 08. We started seeing articles about the number of rising cases of oral cancer that could be tied to HPV 16 and 18. Discussed with surgeon and ROC but neither seemed to be that up to date or care I guess as the virus can lay dormant for so long and at this point, what does it matter? I just had some blood work done by my family doctor and asked him specifically to see if I was HPV negative or postitive but he said lab work could not tell - tissue samples was the only way.