An example embodiment involves generating tumor image tiles from images of human papillomavirus positive (HPV +) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors, wherein the tumor image files are respectively labelled with indicators of tumor recurrence. The example embodiment may further involve training a neural network with the tumor image files as labelled. wherein the training results in the neural network learning combinations of histology features characteristic of tumor recurrence. Further steps may involve providing further tumor image tiles to the trained neural network. the neural network generating classifications of the further tumor image tiles based on likelihood of tumor recurrence. and storing the classifications with as respectively associated with the further tumor image tiles.