Peter,

Where on your tongue is, hopefully was, the Primary?

Most HPV+ related SCC are found in the Base of Tongue or the Tonsil region of the mouth called the Oropharynx and are usually caused by 2 of the over 120 strains of HPV known. Most are caused by HPV 16. Most HPV cases also involve mets to the nodes before diagnosis. Most HPV patients are male, younger than tobacco related SCC; non smokers and casual drinkers.

Three years ago HPV was not widely even recognized as a cause of OC but now there is more information available including tons on this site. Recently though I have seen an increasing number of patients that present a Primary tumor outside the Oropharyx region; are non smokers and light drinkers and do not test positive to HPV. As is with tobacco related SCC, their cancers seem more aggressive and therefore more resistant to standard Tx.

Welcome to this site. It will be the most valuable FREE source of information and help possible. Of course Donations are always welcomed.

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.