HPV Tonsil Cancer at 24

Hi When you say “that I may have tonsil cancer brought on by HPV. I'm not proud to admit, I was slightly reckless in my late teens/early twenties” what do you mean by that please?

Hi there

Firstly I didn't state that you have the HPV virus, I just wrote what I was going through.

It was explained to myself by the Consultant & Surgeon who carried out my surgery that the HPV virus is something that we will have and that it takes 2 years for our immune system to clear it, it's just that my immune system couldn't clear it. 

He also explained that the media and some internet sites who don't understand the virus try and link it to exactly what your thinking of possible STI's.

Sometimes Google doesn't help.

Since I have had the Cancer and I have been attending appointments and also speaking to others it is unbelievable how many men have got or had this type of cancer and who are coming or have come through it successfully.

I hope this helps

Thanks 

Hi Steve 

I was meaning what do you mean by saying :

“HPV. I'm not proud to admit, I was slightly reckless in my late teens/early twenties”?

I’m not understanding why you say that your not proud to admit you were wrekless? 

Hi,my husbands ‘Base Of tongue/tonsil & right lymph node is caused by the HPV virus & yes I have learned too that we all have it in us & our bodies naturally fight it off. It’s the same virus that causes some cervical cancers in woman.Both our daughters have been vaccinated against it. Apparently I have been told that they are trialling a vaccination for men as this type of cancer is becoming more and more common. I believe it was people such as ‘Micheal Douglas’who caused the rumours of the link to ,STI’s. I myself had ’pre cancerous cells 20 years ago,I asked my doctor last week could I have contributed to my husbands cancer & she said quite defiantly ‘no way’

Hi All,

Kirk88 makes exactly the right point. Likewise Steve@45 is spot on with his comment re Google caution! My father is a Consultant Radiologist and I know from my discussions with him that there are many articles etc which are frankly of limited/little use...note also that academic papers are written for the medical profession and, no matter how bright we might be, we do not have the interpretative knowledge to understand such studies in context.

HPV is not something to feel any stigma about. It is a nasty little so-and-so which almost all of us will be exposed to at some time...and unfortunately sometimes we can just get unlucky. I am a fit sportsman in my spare time, happily married for many years and the P16 aspect may have been triggered 10-20 years after exposure. As diagnostics have improved over the past decade or so, it's become apparent that globally it has taken on almost epidemic proportions. 

Worried24 the important thing is to embrace the fact that those who offer their advice and support here are all doing it to offer strength and assistance where fellow members may need it. You are in an understandably anxious place, but one where others before you have also been.

We are all stronger when the spirit in which that help/sympathetic ear is recognised and leads to a positive attitude. 

The first and strongest watchword I can offer anyone is to adopt a positive mindset and to take control of one's own situation. If there is a concern, address it with the clinical professionals. Here on the site members will offer support and really helpful guidance; but ultimately we all individually deal with varied challenges and no one can live it for another. All are happy to offer strength and support to those who ask.

We are all stronger than we might believe...

#Strength

J.

Very sensible and right on the nose . 

What is done is done and it’s avout acceptance to a degree. It’s a huge change in ones life to be both diagnosed and living with cancer. With this now part of ones life it’s about being strong and adapting a new frame of mind, one of “right let get on with it and make the most out of everyday” 

Be cheerful as much as you can, do things that you enjoy and take time for yourself to remember you are a very special and wonderful being that has a lot to give and receive in this life. 

Hi worried24,

I am also 24 and I have the exact symptoms you have mentioned. 

I can feel my right tonsil is swollen and when I look at it, it is enlarged and has a lump on it, the same flesh colour as the tissue around it. I have also a lymph node swollen on the right side at the top of my neck.

A month ago I started having a lumpy sensation in my throat, and had blocked ears and it got written down as a viral infection as I also had chills, and dry mouth. My sweats went away as well as the rest of the symptoms of the infection. The lumpy sensation in my throat feels to be traveling up and down and gets worse when I am stressed.

However my tonsil seems to be getting worse and the hard lymph node really worries me. I am scared of the worst. I have seen my GP 4 times over a month and a half and finally got a referral to ENT. I have to wait for it for 6 weeks now and I can not do or focus on anything except from examining my own tonsils all of the time. I know this seems ridiculous but I have no idea how to deal with waiting. My GP did not seem concerned as he said it is unlikely it is cancerous but I am scared..

It is going to be over 3 months by the time i get seen and I am so scared it can spread. Should I see another GP in meantime?

I know they have not found anything wrong with you from following this thread, I was wondering how you are feeling now, has your tonsil shrunk down..? I guess I am hoping for some reassurance as all I can do now is wait...

Hope you are well :)

hello Worried24, Im 41 year old female going thru something similiar. Wondering how you are?

Hi Kat 24

I’m going through the same as you at the moment & waiting for an ultrasound appointment for the hard lymph node on my neck. Mine is just below my ear by my upper jaw. What happened with your appointment? What did your symptoms turn out to be?

Thanks

Caryl

Hi guys, I can’t believe I’m back after over 2 years of originally creating this post. Unfortunately my symptoms are STILL present I still have some swollen lymph nodes in my neck and even one slight lymph node above my left collar bone. I still have an awful stuck in throat swallowing sensation, my jaw clicks when I open and close my mouth wide enough, and my hearing is still blocked in my right ear. I have an appointment with my GP on Saturday but I’m afraid to say all these symptoms and anxiety have taken over me and affected my life big time. 

I still believe I have tonsil cancer bought on by HPV I just really don’t see what else it can be. I want to get to the bottom of this and demand for a biopsy or scan because I just have no answers. 

surely if I did have the cancer I’d be long gone by now?! I just don’t know...