Question on high risk HPV - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

blahblah · 04-09-2008, 08:56 AM

I read Sashi's response (I pasted it below) to an earlier thread and had a question regarding high risk HPV.

Since I tested positive for high risk HPV a few weeks ago, but never have before, I now need a colposcopy. What I want to know is what are the various scenarios for me regarding further treatment?

Because I am considered high risk, does that automatically mean they will find cells on my biopsy that require further removal/treatment?

Is it possible the colposcopy will not identify any dysplastic cells or is that HIGHLY unlikely?

And does all this matter on the doctor and how he wants to proceed? How cautious he/she is etc? What forms of treatment would be required if all the find is cervical dysplasia and no actual cancer?

Thanks!

Hi,

The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are not the same as the HPV strains which cause cervical cancer and precancerous cell changes, though it is possible to have both types.

Currently, HPV tests can only tell if you have one of the high-risk types of HPV, not the exact strain, though it is known that 2 of the 13 important high-risk strains cause about 70% of all cervical cancers. So, while testing can tell if you're infected with a high-risk strain of HPV, knowing the exact strain isn't necessary, as the treatment would be the same no matter which high-risk strain of HPV you might have.

Good luck with your biopsy. I hope everything goes well.

Hugs,

Lisa

Shshi · 04-09-2008, 09:22 PM

Hi,

Testing positive for HPV does not automatically mean that you have changes to the cervical cells. It just means that you're at greater risk for dypslasia or cervical cancer. So, it's possible that you may not have to have anything biopsied during your colposcopy. Also, it's highly unlikely that the colpo won't find dysplastic cells, if there are any.

If you should have dysplasia, it would depend on the severity as to what treatment you might have.

With mild (and sometimes moderate) dysplasia, you might not have any treatment because often your immune system can clear up the problem on it's own. So you might be monitored every three to six months instead.

With more severe levels of dysplasia, you might have a cone biopsy, LEEP, cryosurgery, or laser vaporization surgery. More severe or persistent cases or invasive cancer might require surgery to remove the affected areas or the cervix itself.

Good luck with everything. I hope everything will turn out okay.

Hugs,

Lisa

blahblah · 04-10-2008, 08:31 AM

Thanks! Been doing a lot of reading myself.

Given how many normal/frequent paps I have had over the years - - and especially how many I've had in the last year, I would be very very shocked if they tell me I need anything more then cryosurgery at most. Just seems unlikely to me that they will find anything advanced since I've tested normal for so long and because I've read that anything more advanced takes a while to present itself. We shall see - thanks again.