HPV/ cervical cancer/paps?

Question

I've had hpv (non-warts-high cervical cancer risk) & abnormal paps for 2 years now. I've heard it's possible for hpv to clear up on its own & people have normal paps again. Or will this most likely lead to cervical cancer? Has anybody had or known someone with experience with this?

Answer 1

I had an abnormal pap smear, then (after colposcopy, biopsy, etc.) I was treated with cervical cryotherapy, then I had one more abnormal pap smear, and now, most recently (3 years after getting it, and 2 1/2 years after being treated), I finally had a normal pap smear recently. I was so happy.

It is possible that it would go away on its own if your doctor doesn't think you should be treated, I've definitely read that. If your doctor isn't treating you with LEEP or cryo, then I bet your dysplasia isn't that severe. If it seemed to be very bad or advancing rapidly, the kind that might cause cancer a few years down the road, they would be treating you. Don't worry, your days about worrying about hpv will be behind you soon.

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

MissA is wrong about cervical cancer still being rare. I am going through all of this right now. I was just at the doctor today. I have been dealing with this for about 2 and half years now. Anyway, about MissA's comment. Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among woman. So, it isn't really anything to mess around with. Make sure you get your pap tests yearly. If they do find any dyplasia (spelling?) and need paps every 6 months or every 3 months, make sure you get them. It is important.

Answer 4

This is an issue you really need to ask your ob gyn about.
I had bad paps for about 5 yrs and the last one came back at a high level of sq emus cells and that is the first sign of cancer cells. You need to find out at what level your paps are bad at! It could be a very low number and not really be worry some or it could be high and you should worry. But the doctor you have will not let it go and let you get cancer they will tell you and treat it if it gets bad enough. I had a cone biopsy and they removed the bad part of my cervix and i have been fine for 6 yrs now and had a child since so even if they need to fix it its not so bad.

Answer 5

There are many strains of HPV. Most strains clear up on their own. Some HPV strains lead to cancer, while others don't. However, depending upon your diagnosis, you should have a repeated PAP either three or six months from now. Once you have a normal PAP, you should repeat exams annually.

Answer 6

It is something that you must be aware of and make sure to get your yearly pap in case something develops. It is possible for it to clear up. I know someone who actually has been dealing with it for many years and she has not developed cancer or anything bad.

Answer 7

it can clear up on its own. most women get it at least once in their lifetime and never know. it can increase your risk of cervical cancer, true, but it doesnt mean it will lead to it.

Answer 8

Yes, And I had them removed...I still worried about them but then I had a Hysterectomy and I don't have to worry anymore. Good luck. I have heard about a new medicine out there so ask your OB/GYN.