U need to know HPV-tonsil link - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

girlcat36 · 04-27-2007, 06:46 PM

I just wanted to update anyone familiar with my tonsillectomy story. I was wavering for 18 mos. about getting the surgery because of all the scary stories. I really didn't feel sick and only had one swollen tonsil. I had my tonsils out 3/1, and sure enough--they found a malignant tumor. Stage two. Other than that I am 41 (look 21), in good health, and fit. It was extremely rare that I had this. I am being treated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and they did more extensive pathology on the tumor and discovered it was caused by the HPV virus---NOT smoking and drinking ( which I don't do anyway). So all you women out there who may have HPV-- BE AWARE OF THIS! Tonsil cancer is on the rise and HPV is known now to cause this. I don't want to scare you gals BUT if I had this info 18 mos ago that tonsil would have been yanked ASAP.

Daisysmom · 04-28-2007, 07:14 PM

HPV is not taken serious enough if you ask me. This is a very scary disease because you have no idea you have it and for women, there are seldom any symptoms.

Girlcat, I wish you a speedy recovery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please come back to let us know how you're doing.

girlcat41 · 04-29-2007, 06:42 AM

I am in my second week of a 7 week treatment. I have had one dose of chemo already(well-tolerated) and 8 radiation treatments(27 to go). I am having a feeding tube placed tomorrow. I will have chemo two more times. I feel really good right now ,though. I go to Boston MON- FRI, and come home to Cape Cod on the weekend. So obviouslt I am out of work and will be for at least three more months, this is a very aggressive treatment. Good news---people who have tonsil tumors caused by HPV have a waaaay higher cure rate than tumors caused by other things. You are right Daisy's Mom--HPV has to be taken more seriously. I did not know I had it. And certainly my ENT did not know to ask if I had it or to test for it. I think that the ENT's out there need to be made aware of this.

Daisysmom · 04-30-2007, 06:14 AM

Girlcat -
As I said, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Many of us could be where you are right now. We just got lucky. I believe that if we had an acurate way to count the people in the US that have HPV we would find that it has reached epidemic proportions.

I know another woman who went for her annual pap and found precancerous cells.... due to HPV. She had no idea.

Stay strong. Do everything you can to maintain your weight and strength. I'll be thinking of you.