Hpv - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

almondjoy · 04-27-2006, 05:49 PM

There have been tv commericals about the HPV virus, and how it causes cancer.

If you have had a hysterectomy can you get/have/carry the HPV virus?

Timber · 04-27-2006, 06:13 PM

Anyone can carry the HPV virus, but if you don't have a cervix or a uterus, it's VERY unlikely that it'd cause cancer because the primary location of HPV-induced cancer is the cervix. HPV *can* cause vaginal cancer, although rare, so a woman who has had a hysterectomy should still get Pap smears, especially if she's young.

lovethoscurls · 04-28-2006, 10:46 AM

Like Timber said if you don't have your cervix it is unlikely, did they remove your cervix with your hysterectomy? As they sometimes will leave it depending on why you needed it.

casper35 · 05-03-2006, 06:14 PM

I read that it is only certain strains of hpv that cause cervical cancer. That you could have had warts at some point or another type of hpv and it still isn't the strain that gives you cancer?

lovethoscurls · 05-04-2006, 05:55 AM

That is correct Casper not all types of HPV lead to PRE-cancerous cells of the cervix. Some can cause warts, and even if you have the strain that causes abnormalities to the cervix doesn't mean it will, and doesn't mean it will turn to cancer, just make sure you get your yearly paps!