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HPV cancer

2007-01-08 09:06:08 · 10 answers · asked by ktwininger04 1 in Health Diseases & Conditions STDs

10 answers

It came up positive later because the titre of the virus was not large enough to cause a positive earlier. It sometimes takes a few months for the virus to become present in the amount that will trigger a positive test.

2007-01-08 09:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by levatorlux 5 · 1 0

HPV is a virus, and doesn't mean cancer first of all--although it can CAUSE cervical cancer. If the first test was negative, it was one of two things: 1) you were given a false negative lab result, meaning, that the lab screwed up, 2) you just came up positive for the virus. There's a "window" just like HIV that a person will remain negative until the body makes antibodies to the virus--then it will show up as a positive test. There are several strains of this virus, and some can show up as genital warts, others do not. There's also a new vaccination out called Gardisil that can be given to women to prevent the development of cervical cancer. It's being recommended to young girls between 9-10 years old as part of their vaccinations before becoming sexually active; therefore, a likely success in preventing the contraction of the virus. Point is, don't worry about having cancer if you are having regular pap smears, and they are coming back normal. Email me with any further questions. Hope this helps.

2007-01-08 09:23:35 · answer #2 · answered by adstidamrn 4 · 0 0

Genital warts are caused by different HPV strains than those that cause cancer. So, just because you've never had warts doesn't mean you don't have a "high-risk" (that is, cancer-causing) HPV infection. It sounds like they've found one, and the next step is colposcopy. I'm linking you to a really good article about what to expect from a colposcopy. Good luck! Cervical cancer is really rare in places where we have access to regular Pap testing. Edit: If cervical cancer is in your family, it's possible that you might have a genetic predisposition toward it. More reason to keep up with your regular Pap testing -- it's the best prevention! Make sure your doctor knows your family history, which will help him or her best advise you on how often you should be tested, etc. You might even want to bring up the possibility of Gardasil. There is some emerging evidence that it is helpful even for people who have already had abnormal Pap results.

2016-05-23 14:04:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Gardasil is a recombinant vaccine (contains no live virus) that is given as three injections over a six-month period. Immunization with Gardasil is expected to prevent most cases of cervical cancer due to HPV types included in the vaccine. However, females are not protected if they have been infected with that HPV type(s) prior to vaccination, indicating the importance of immunization before potential exposure to the virus. Also, Gardasil does not protect against less common HPV types not included in the vaccine, thus routine and regular pap screening remain critically important to detect precancerous changes in the cervix to allow treatment before cervical cancer develops.

"This is the first vaccine licensed specifically to prevent cervical cancer. Its rapid approval underscores FDA's commitment to help make safe and effective vaccines available as quickly as possible. Not only have vaccines dramatically reduced the toll of diseases in infants and children, like polio and measles, but they are playing an increasing role protecting and improving the lives of adolescents and adults," said Jesse Goodman, MD, MPH, Director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Four studies, one in the United States and three multinational, were conducted in 21,000 women to show how well Gardasil worked in women between the ages of 16 and 26 by giving them either the vaccine or placebo. The results showed that in women who had not already been infected, Gardasil was nearly 100 percent effective in preventing precancerous cervical lesions, precancerous vaginal and vulvar lesions, and genital warts caused by infection with the HPV types against which the vaccine is directed. While the study period was not long enough for cervical cancer to develop, the prevention of these cervical precancerous lesions is believed highly likely to result in the prevention of those cancers.

The studies also evaluated whether the vaccine can protect women already infected with some HPV types included in the vaccine from developing diseases related to those viruses. The results show that the vaccine is only effective when given prior to infection.

Two studies were also performed to measure the immune response to the vaccine among younger females aged 9-15 years. Their immune response was as good as that found in 16-26 year olds, indicating that the vaccine should have similar effectiveness when used in the 9-15 year age group.

There is some info on the vaccine... so if you were allready found positive for the HPV virus, then don't bother getting the shot... it won't work, and its pretty expensive. Just talk with your doctor more about it if it is comcerning you. Im sure he/she may have some better answers for you.

2007-01-08 20:21:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

not only HPV but any cancer takes a long time to be screened thats probly why it didnt show up in the first screening but dont worry hpv isnt going to kill you or keep u from having kids... there is lot of treatments and lots of way of it..

2007-01-08 09:12:22 · answer #5 · answered by ~*Berry Me*~ 3 · 0 1

HPV is difficult to detect unless you have an active infection. Most likly you had it the whole time and it was dorminate during the first test and active during the second.

2007-01-08 09:08:53 · answer #6 · answered by rknghavic 3 · 0 2

Your body is always changing. You can test negative for HIV and in six months test positive as well. I am not sure why that is in medical terms but the only thing I can think of is that some bacteria may lie dormant.

2007-01-08 09:08:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

becuase it can take up to 6 months to actually cause the cells to change. Wich is usually your fisrt clue your Doctor will apply a vinegar soluton to them and take a biopsy of it.

2007-01-09 08:36:23 · answer #8 · answered by me 3 · 0 0

Have you been with any new partners during this time-frame? Perhaps you were re-infected.

2007-01-10 12:46:19 · answer #9 · answered by SusieeQ 3 · 0 0

hpv is not caner by the way..its a virus.Human papillomavirus. A member of a family of viruses that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, genital warts) and other changes to cells. Infection with certain types of HPV may increase the risk of developing some types of cancer.

What are human papillomaviruses, and how are they transmitted?
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 100 viruses. They are called papillomaviruses because certain types may cause warts, or papillomas, which are benign (noncancerous) tumors. The HPVs that cause the common warts which grow on hands and feet are different from those that cause growths in the throat or genital area. Some types of HPV are associated with certain types of cancer (1). These are called “high-risk” oncogenic or carcinogenic HPVs.

Of the more than 100 types of HPV, over 30 types can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Although HPVs are usually transmitted sexually, doctors cannot say for certain when infection occurred. Most HPV infections occur without any symptoms and go away without any treatment over the course of a few years. However, HPV infection sometimes persists for many years, with or without causing cell abnormalities.

What are genital warts?
Some types of HPV may cause warts to appear on or around the genitals or anus. Genital warts (technically known as condylomata acuminatum) are most commonly associated with two HPV types, HPV–6 and HPV–11. Warts may appear within several weeks after sexual contact with a person who is infected with HPV, or they may take months or years to appear, or they may never appear. HPVs may also cause flat, abnormal growths in the genital area and on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that extends into the vagina). However, HPV infections usually do not cause any symptoms.

What is the association between HPV infection and cancer?
HPVs are now recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer. In 2006, an estimated 10,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with this type of cancer and nearly 4,000 will die from it. Cervical cancer strikes nearly half a million women each year worldwide, claiming a quarter of a million lives. Studies also suggest that HPVs may play a role in cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils) (1). Data from several studies also suggest that infection with HPV is a risk factor for penile cancer (cancer of the penis).

Are there specific types of HPV that are associated with cancer?
Some types of HPV are referred to as “low-risk” viruses because they rarely develop into cancer. HPV types that are more likely to lead to the development of cancer are referred to as “high-risk.” Both high-risk and low-risk types of HPV can cause the growth of abnormal cells, but generally only the high-risk types of HPV may lead to cancer. Sexually transmitted, high-risk HPVs include types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 69, and possibly a few others. These high-risk types of HPV cause growths that are usually flat and nearly invisible, as compared with the warts caused by types HPV–6 and HPV–11. It is important to note, however, that the majority of high-risk HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause cancer (2).

What are the risk factors for HPV infection and cervical cancer?
Having many sexual partners is a risk factor for HPV infection. Although most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any type of abnormality, infection with high-risk HPV types increases the chance that mild abnormalities will progress to more severe abnormalities or cervical cancer. Still, of the women who do develop abnormal cell changes with high-risk types of HPV, only a small percentage would develop cervical cancer if the abnormal cells were not removed. Studies suggest that whether a woman develops cervical cancer depends on a variety of factors acting together with high-risk HPVs. The factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection include smoking and having many children (3).

Can HPV infection be prevented?
The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual.

For those who choose to be sexually active, a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent genital HPV infection. However, it is difficult to determine whether a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected.

HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Although the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine that is highly effective in preventing infection with types 16 and 18, two “high-risk” HPVs that cause most (70 percent) cervical cancers, and types 6 and 11, which cause most (90 percent) genital warts (4).

How are HPV infections detected?
Testing samples of cervical cells is an effective way to identify high-risk types of HPV that may be present. The FDA has approved an HPV test as a follow-up for women who have an ambiguous Pap test (a screening test to detect cervical cell changes and, for women over the age of 30, for general cervical cancer screening). This HPV test can identify 13 of the high-risk types of HPV associated with the development of cervical cancer. This test, which looks for viral DNA, is performed by collecting cells from the cervix and then sending them to a laboratory for analysis. The test can detect high-risk types of HPV even before there are any conclusive visible changes to the cervical cells. There are currently no tests approved to detect HPV infection in men.

How are cervical cell abnormalities classified?
A Pap test is used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix. It involves the collection of cells from the cervix for examination under the microscope. Various terms have been used to describe the abnormal cells that may be seen in Pap tests.

The major system used to report the results of Pap tests in the United States is the Bethesda System. In this system, samples with cell abnormalities are divided into the following categories:

ASC—Atypical Squamous Cells. Squamous cells are the thin, flat cells that form the surface of the cervix. The Bethesda System divides this category into two groups:


ASC–US—Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. The squamous cells do not appear completely normal, but doctors are uncertain what the cell changes mean. Sometimes the changes are related to HPV infection. An HPV test may be done to clarify the findings.


ASC–H—Atypical Squamous Cells cannot exclude a High-grade squamous intraepithelial abnormality. Intraepithelial refers to the layer of cells that forms the surface of the cervix. The cells do not appear normal, but doctors are uncertain what the cell changes mean. ASC–H may indicate a higher risk of being precancerous compared with ASC–US.


AGC —Atypical Glandular Cells. Glandular cells are mucus-producing cells found in the endocervical canal (opening in the center of the cervix) or in the lining of the uterus. The glandular cells do not appear normal, but doctors are uncertain what the cell changes mean.


AIS —endocervical Adenocarcinoma In Situ. Precancerous cells are found in the glandular tissue.


LSIL —Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion. Low-grade means there are early changes in the size and shape of the cells. The word lesion refers to an area of abnormal tissue. LSILs are considered mild abnormalities caused by HPV infection and are a common condition, especially among young women. The majority of LSILs return to normal over months to a few years.


HSIL —High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion. High-grade means that the cells look very different in size and shape from normal cells. HSILs are more severe abnormalities and may eventually lead to cancer if left untreated.
Pap test results may also be described using an older set of categories called the “dysplasia scale.” Dysplasia is a term used to describe abnormal cells. Although dysplasia is not cancer, it may develop into very early cancer of the cervix. The cells look abnormal under the microscope, but they do not invade nearby healthy tissue.

There are four degrees of dysplasia: mild, moderate, severe, and carcinoma in situ. Carcinoma in situ is a precancerous condition that involves only the layer of cells on the surface of the cervix, and has not spread to nearby tissues. In the Bethesda System, mild dysplasia is classified as LSIL; moderate or severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ are combined into HSIL.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is another term that is sometimes used to describe abnormal tissue findings. Neoplasia means an abnormal growth of cells. The term CIN along with a number (1, 2, or 3) describes how much of the thickness of the lining of the cervix contains abnormal cells. CIN–3 is considered to be a precancerous condition that includes carcinoma in situ.

What tests are used to screen for and diagnose precancerous cervical conditions?
A Pap test is the standard way to check for any cervical cell changes. A Pap test is usually done as part of a gynecologic exam. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend that women have a Pap test at least once every 3 years, beginning about 3 years after they begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21.

Because the HPV test can detect high-risk types of HPV in cervical cells, the FDA approved this test as a useful addition to the Pap test to help health care providers decide which women with ASC–US need further testing, such as colposcopy and biopsy of any abnormal areas. (Colposcopy is a procedure in which a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope is used to examine the vagina and cervix. Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for diagnosis.) In addition, the HPV test may be a helpful addition to the Pap test for general screening of women age 30 and over.

What are the treatment options for HPV infection?
Although there is currently no medical cure for papillomavirus infection, the lesions and warts these viruses cause can be treated. Methods commonly used to treat lesions include cryosurgery (freezing that destroys tissue), LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure, the removal of tissue using a hot wire loop), and conventional surgery. Similar treatments may be used for external genital warts. In addition, some drugs may be used to treat external genital warts (5). More information about treatment for genital warts can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines Web page at http://www.cdc.gov/STD/treatment/ on the Internet.

What research is being done on HPV-related cancers?
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and elsewhere are studying how HPVs cause precancerous changes in normal cells and how these changes can be prevented (6). For example, scientists are developing HPV vaccines that will be stable at room temperature. The goal is to develop a vaccine that does not require refrigeration for storage and distribution, which could allow for its use in many climates and locations.

Laboratory research has indicated that HPVs produce proteins known as E5, E6, and E7. These proteins interfere with the cell functions that normally prevent excessive growth. For example, HPV E6 interferes with the human protein p53. This protein is present in all people and acts to keep tumors from growing (7). This research is being used to develop ways to interrupt the process by which HPV infection can lead to the growth of abnormal cells.

Researchers at the NCI and elsewhere are also studying what people know and understand about HPV and cervical cancer, the best way to communicate to the public about the latest research results, and how doctors are talking with their patients about HPV. This research will help to ensure that the public receives accurate information about HPV that is easily understood, and will facilitate access to appropriate tests for those who need them

2007-01-08 09:13:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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