I do not know... - Cancer: Cervical & Ovarian Message Board

maia1976 · 06-04-2008, 04:39 PM

Last year I had my first abnormal PAP, LSIL. I went in for a routine check up and my doctor informed me of the results of the PAP, which had been performed 8 months prior. I was shocked and confused that he had not called me with the results earlier. The result indicated a repeat in 6 months, but because he did not care to call me, I had the repeat in 8 months (I am still angry about that, as you can tell

)...Anyhow, I got another PAP and at my request the HPV test.
The second PAP came back LSIL and I tested negative for HPV.
I had a colposcopy scheduled 2 weeks ago (2 months after the second PAP)and the doctor who did it said that the cervix looked fine, just some mucus on it. However, when scraping for the sample, he noticed a bleeding that was more than normal that he reffered to as typical for low grade and HPV. He did not take any biopsy and I got the results of the test a couple of days ago: normal PAP and negative for HPV.
I am trying to be happy and relax, but my mind is paranoid and is been telling me that something IS wrong since I got 2 abnormal PAPs in a row....

Can anyone relate? Does anyone know what else might cause an abnormal PAP? I also tested negative for other STD's and infections...I just do not know...

Pickle Eyes · 06-04-2008, 05:42 PM

Hi Maia! I don't know a lot about abnormal paps (I've never had one, though I have cervical cancer - long story), but I do know there are a number of things that can cause abnormal results. Intercourse prior to a pap, new infections, douching, etc can cause them. Other than that, I'm not sure.

I hope someone else comes along with more information.

mommyandwifey · 06-05-2008, 11:38 AM

Hi Maia,

I also had an abnormal pap last year except mine didn't even show LSIL...it was called ASCUS which is just before LSIL. I also tested negative for HPV. Since that time, I've had repeat paps at 3 mos then at 6 mos..both ASCUS w/ neg HPV. FInally had a colpo and it too was atypia...lower than LSIL- no HPV. So our stories are somewhat similiar.

The good news in both our story is that we are negative for HPV (although you did mention the Dr. associated the bleeding with LSIL and HPV) so I'm a little confused by that. The other good news that you have that I haven't yet is you finally got a normal pap. So that's 2 things going for you.

I would recommend to make you feel better that you ask for a copy of the pathology report. The reason is you can see the results for yourself. My Dr. told me mine was "atypia" which was true but when I actually read the report, I found an error. The Dr's office had sent my sample to the path indicating I was HPV POSITIVE when in fact all 3 of my tests were NEGATIVE. Not that it made a huge difference in the results from the path BUT I want my files to be accurate! Sorry...got off topic. Most importantly, you can see what kind of samples/ biopsies he took. You mentioned no biopsy but there was scraping. Was that an ECC (Endocervical curretage) sample? The actual report will tell you exactly what was taken, what dysplasia if any was seen and whether HPV was present or not. If it all looks good and your questions are answered, it could simply be an infection that caused the changes. I should add though that most are of the opinion that any dysplasia is caused by HPV. However, LSIL can be associated with low risk HPV. Chances are you were only tested for high risk HPV. This is getting long so I'll stop but please write back with any ?'s

tulip2222 · 06-05-2008, 08:02 PM

Hi Maia,

I have been having regular abnormal paps too. My experience seems similar to yours because I was seeing a doctor that seemed less than concerned about my results. I had 3 abormal paps and my doctor just kept saying "come back and have another in 6 months." Finally, I got fed up and decided to see another doctor to get a second opinion. My new doctor recommended the colposcopy where she eventually found CIN II. I would definitely say that if you are concerned about your results and you are able to do it, it would never hurt to get a second opinion. That was my best bet. Best of luck!

fiesti · 11-05-2008, 11:17 AM

Hi there
I am new to this forum and just wanted to let you know that I had an abnormal pap about 5yrs ago but the repeat 6 months later was fine. Then I had normal until my last physical with came back LGSL ( sorry if I am not using abbreviations properly) so I had a repeat done in September. Just got called by the Woman's clinic at the hospital that I am to go in for a coloscopy January 28th. I was very frustrated that my doctor's office didn't even bother to call me to say they had referred me. For me the waiting is going to be the worst.