HPV and Cervical Cancer HELP!!!?

Question

okay i just want someones advice who this has happened to...I got my pap about a month ago and my doctor noticed some white spots on my cervix which she said is a sign of HPV. When I got my pap results they came back abnormal for high risk HPV. I have an appointment scheduled with an OB/GYN for them to do more tests...but I dont know what to expect. I am very nervous about going to the doctor (I fainted when I got my pap I was so nervous) I would just like to know what to expect at this next appointment.


thanks!

P.S. I know they are going to do more tests I just want to know what the tests entail...

Answer 1

HPV is human papilloma virus, which is a family of many viruses, a few of which have been linked to gynecologic pathology - including cevical cancer (also gynecologic "warts"). While more than half of women will actually be HPV positive, very few would actually go on to develop cervical cancer.

From what you describe it is likely your PAP smear detected a strain of HPV that has been linked to cervical cancer.

Referral to an OB/GYN is very appropriate, and he/she will probably perform something called colposcopy. This essentially means looking at the cervix, after putting a substance over it that will allow any lesions to show up as "white". Further treatment procedures during colposcopy could included 1) nothing else 2) biopsy 3) cryotherapy. If biopsies are taken, then further monitoring or therapy will depend upon the results.

In terms of the procedure itself, it is really not much different than a pap smear, but may take slightly longer. i.e. you are in the same uncomfortable position, and a speculum is still needed to view the cervix. biopsies or cryotherapy can be briefly uncomfortable (like a needle) but I've never heard a woman say that they were painful.

Try not to be nervous (easily said, I know) but just view it a necessary annoyance in your life.

Good luck.

Answer 2

It will *not* most likely lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is still quite rare, although because you are HPV positive, you must be more cautious than most, and keep up with your pap smears. Treating any abnormal cell growth is an excellent way to lower your risk of cervical cancer. HPV often clears up on its own... something like 75% of people will have it at some point, and most of them will never show symptoms. Your immune system is doing its damnedest to fight it off, even as we speak. 90% of people who test positive for HPV with the most sensitive tests will test negative for it 6-24 months later.

Answer 3

The HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all types of HPV infections; therefore, it is suggested that sexually active women should get themselves screened regularly for cervical and other cancers.
Women between 19 and 26 years of age may or may not benefit by the vaccine depending on whether they are already a carrier of the HPV. The vaccine is not effective if a person has already contracted the HPV virus. If the virus is already present, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and then decide on the best course of action.
This vaccine is not recommended for women who are over 26 years of age because there is a high possibility that they are already exposed to HPV, thus rendering the vaccine ineffective.
Because of the lack of sufficient research regarding the effect of HPV vaccine on mothers and babies, the vaccine is not advisable for pregnant women.

Answer 4

They will do tests to see if you have cervical cancer. Sometimes they do biopsies, by taking some cells and checking to see if they are cancerous. Just don't get yourself worked up about it. Make sure you keep all the appointments that they give you. If you do get cancer you want to catch it early. I had abnormal paps for years, but my last two were normal.