Quick question on hpv? - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

ImASadGirl22 · 09-01-2004, 08:51 PM

I keep reading all of this different information on hpv and i just have a question. a few years ago -about 2.5- i had an abnormal pap. turned out to be hpv. my dr did a colposcopy i guess its called - a biopsy- and that was it. i never had any of the freezing or leeps done like anyone else has said. at least I dont think so- if those are different from the biopsy? I have gone every 6 months for a pap since and they have continuely come back normal since.
Now.... Does that mean that i have a low grade version of it - since i never had any other procedures done? If they came back high grade wouldnt some other procedure have been done?
Just curious bc now im confused as to what extent i have this now. I didnt know there was so many different procedures for this until i found this board... and now am somewhat confused.

Any insight woud be greatly appreciated.

kristina4752 · 09-04-2004, 09:30 PM

HPV can cause low grade dysplasia (abnormal/precancerous cells). Dysplasia often regresses on it's own which is most likely what happened to you. You would definitly know if you had freezing or leep done. I had a leep done yesterday in the hospital. There is many different strands of hpv that can cause different levels of dysplasia. Usually the doctor orders hpv dna testing when your pap comes back abnormal to see which strand you have. I suggest asking your Doctor for the details next time you seem them for your own peace of mine.

Theacat · 09-07-2004, 04:20 PM

I also had abnormal cells due to HPV. I had a colposcopy because I had a cervical erosion - they did a biopsy to check for abnormal cells, and treated the erosion with loop diathermy. A few weeks later I was contacted to say that the biopsy showed up abnormal cells dues to HPV, and that these abonrmal cells would have been removed when they removed the erosion.

However, all my smear tests since them have been clear, and I no longer have HPV. So my understanding is that HPV is a virus that causes abnormal cells, but when it goes, so do the abnormal cells. In other words, your body fought off HPV - and it has now gone leaving no abnormal cells. (I believe they sometimes do not treat abnormal cells due to HPV, but keep an eye on them to see if they go away or get worse).

Hope this (kind of) helps.

ImASadGirl22 · 09-08-2004, 08:01 AM

Thanks....
I have been reading so many different things on here regarding hpv and it got me thinking and questioning some things.
Its crazy that so many people have this and a lot of people dont know anything about it until they get it(me included)....
Anyway, thanks again

Theacat · 09-08-2004, 12:32 PM

I just checked out the NHS website (I'm in the UK) - and if HPV shows up on a smear, but with only mildly abnormal cells (or no abnormal cells), they ask you to come back for another PAP after 6 months to see if there has been any changes. It says that HPV often goes away by itself - so treatment is not always necessary.

Glad that's clear in my head now!!