I agree that in HPV the cellular markers are there but if it's not there then they say it's HPV-SCC. There are no cellular markers to identify that tobacco was the cause, it's just assumed that tobacco caused the OC when there's a history of use pre Dx.

Now comes along a new group of people without a history of tobacco or even alcohol abuse and they test negative for HPV so to me something's missing. I know Brain wants me to get out of my "box" thinking but I just think that researchers have missed something that may better explain HPV-SCC. Perhaps the HPV testing is not very accurate or uniform?

Help me Brian. The more I learn about cancer, the less I think I know.

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.