I am concerned about my health. I am 24 and I am pretty sure I have moderate to late stage oropharyngeal cancer...HPV+, white spot on right retromolar trigone, ulcerated directly under spot down to submandular lymph node(s) under it. I also have swollen glands from behind my left ear running down to and through my mouth. Right side of jaw tingling sensation periodically as well. It's frustrating that it took me so long to decide I have a problem...I still haven't gotten a screening done, but it is my number one priority as of now.

If anyone can relate to my symptoms &/or give me insight on the specific situation I fear I may find myself in, it would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone.

Hi preaux,

The saying goes "It's not cancer until they say it's cancer".

The way to know for sure is to seek out and be seen by an ENT that has experience with H&N cancers. A biopsy of the suspicious node, lesion or area is the only way to know for sure. I can assure you that Dr. Google knows nothing about this subject. While HPV can be diagnosed in a woman, it's much more elusive in a male. It's detected when an actual cancerous tumor is biopsied.

Good Luck, positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

Welcome Preaux, It's uncommon to find cancer in the retromolar trigone area. HPV is mainly in the oropharynx, 90% of the time, and usually doesn't present itself with an ulcer like tobacco or other carcinogenic related cancer does. Your symptoms definitely need looking into by an ENT, as Mr. T suggests, but it could be many other things besides cancer, like an infection, salivary glands infection, etc. Good luck.

thanks for the replies! getting this evaluated by a medical professional is the only thing worth doing, and I will do so ASAP and give an update. there are a few other symptoms and risk factors that I possess, so I am praying this all turns out well.