BirdGirl,

I had cervical dysplasia but was never told I had it in my throat. They never checked. I just had a pelvic exam and all the tests they did (I don't know what they were) came back negative. Is there a way to tell if I have it in my throat? I think my HPV is in remission but I heard it can never be cured.

Would a yearly physical with the doctor looking in my throat be sufficient? Or do I need to see a specialist for screening?

I heard that oral and throat cancers can often be successfully eradicated when caught early. I just don't know how often screening should be done.

I do have a 15 year history of cigarette smoking, heavy drinking and other smoking. However I have completely stopped cigs, stopped smoking weed and only vaporize, and usually don't drink more than 3 beers per day. Sometimes less, occasionally a bit more.

Do you think that the longer I go without smoking or excessive drinking that my risk will go down?

I try to eat really healthy foods, too. Lots of vegetables.

I do vaporize every day and sometimes my throat gets sore but I figure that's normal.