Hello,

My wife just explained that she tested positive for hpv in her recent exam at the women's clinic. They explained that they also found abnormally shaped cells and that they would have to peform a colpscopy. Should we be severely concerned that this could be cervical cancer?

Thank you

JC-
Were these abnormalities on her cervix? There are many different strands of HPV, some are cervical cancer causing, some are not. Nonetheless, if they found abnormalities on her cervix, then it is quite possible that she MAY have pre-cancerous changes occuring in the cells of her cervix, however it does not necessarily mean that she has cancer. The colposcopy will give the doctor a better idea of what is going on, and when the doctor does the colposcopy, he/she will take a pinch of tissue off the cervix to biopsy. Encourage her to keep this appointment, and I hope all turns out well for you both, if you have any more questions there are lots of people including myself, on this board to talk with. Best Wishes!
xtattooedhandsx

I'm running late for work, but want to answer right away. When the doctor does a colposcopy, I HIGHLY recommend she ask for a ECC also (endocervical curettage). They'll scrape the hole in the cervix (which leads to the uterus). Some atypical and/or cancer cells hide up there.

That's how my doctor found my cancer. My pap was clear (for 22 years), HPV diagnosis, colposcopy was clearn. Because of all of that she did the ECC. My only treatment for the cancer is a hysterectomy - no radiation, no chemo. My cancer was caught VERY early.

I wish your wife clear-eyed, sure-handed, wise doctors. I wish you patience and blessings for standing by your wife!

HPV can lay dormat for 20 -30- years and suddenly appear. You should be concerned and make sure your wife keeps up on it. If her doctor does not seem concerned, see a NEW doctor. HPV can cause cervical cancer. Any lesions should be removed and tested. There is alot of infomation on the internet about HPV.. I wish all parents would get there teen aged daughters vacinated...Gardisol is the vaccination. They do not have a vaccine for males yet and the testing for men is different than a woman. Good luck **

You have received some good information. Before she has her colposcopy, she needs to read about the biopsy the doctor might perform. I also strongly suggest she ask the doctor to do an ECC (endocervical curettage). This is where the doctor scrapes the cervical canal to sample for atypical cells.

A positive HPV test does not mean your wife has cancer. It means she has the virus which can lead to cancer. It is essential that she keep up with her doctor's appointments and doctor's directions.

I'm glad you are looking for information and wanting to help her. :)

Hello,

My wife just explained that she tested positive for hpv in her recent exam at the women's clinic. They explained that they also found abnormally shaped cells and that they would have to peform a colpscopy. Should we be severely concerned that this could be cervical cancer?

Thank youHi sorry that you are both having to deal with this, the other replys are very informative, I just wanted to add that when your wife has her coloposcoy check that other areas are checked, not just cervix, i have just had a smear which came back negative, however I am dealing with another pre-cancerous condition of the vulva(VIN 3)that was only picked up from a biospy, I had not heard anything about this until i was diagnosed and have since done a lot of research and this is also caused from HPV, so just wanted to ensure that your wife gets all the checks she needs. Thoughts with you both, take care.

Hi I just wanted to add to Nikki post, that you need to make sure they check everywhere. I had CIN 3 in 2004, and just had surgery for VIN2/3 which is caused also by the HPV. I had no idea there was such a thing, nobody had ever mentioned it. An experienced Dr can pick up cell changes with the same Vinegar solution they use when doing a colposcopy for the cervix also on the vulva. But unfortunately, can only be properly diagnosed by doing a biopsy. Better to be sure.
Hope all goes well.