What should I do? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

Rajah · 04-24-2003, 03:12 PM

Hi anyone,
Here's my story. I am at the very beginning of who knows what. Just got results of pap..doc wants a repeat cuz atypical cells. Said not to worry. Well, I'm 44, 3 children, and have never had abnormal pap. In searching on net, I found out that HPV could put you at high risk for cervical cancer. Here's the thing. About 22 years ago I had what they called "condylomata warts". Had them frozen off and never again thought about them till now. Just found out thru net, they are HPV!!! Does HPV go away. Can this, from 22 years ago affect me now? My doc doesn't even know about them, never mentioned them in medical history, didn't think they were anything. I haven't had a pap for two years, previous one normal, but now I'm nervous. Should I be??? My repeat pap isn't until May 6. Should I inform him of the warts I once had so they'll hurry with the repeat pap, or am I getting ahead of myself. Don't know a whole lot about this???? Do these cells turn quickly to cancer? Can anyone please advise. Thanks in advance.

DawnP · 04-24-2003, 05:09 PM

Yes, warts can come back after many years. The virus lives in your system. The only thing I am wondering regards the fact that the virus that causes visible external warts I believe is HPV # 6 or 11. These two strains are not related to cervical cancer. Warts that cause cancer are usually strain #16 or #18 and do not cause visible warts. It is possible to have more than one strain at a time and for both to live dormant in your system. Those external warts are probably not related to this. Also, cervical cancer is usually slow to develop. If your last pap two years ago was normal then even if you did have cancer(which you probably don't)it would not be far progressed. Chances are, if anything you have dysplasia (pre cancer) and that it easily treated. Hopefully your repeat Pap will come back fine and all this concern will be for nothing.

Best of luck to you and let us know how you are.