I realize that you had an abnormal Pap test in 2003 but an normal Pap test in 2011. You could wait and continue to have annual Pap tests.
You mentioned that you have a type of HPV that puts you at high risk--for cervical cancer, correct?
Depending on your immune system, some people can clear the HPV, while for others, the virus becomes latent. This means it will not be active for a time and then become active. (like cold sores or shingles, which are both caused by viruses).
Cervical dysplasia is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix, indicating either precancerous or cancerous cells.
If you have a Pap test that shows abnormal cells, you would want to have the abnormal cells removed to prevent them from becoming cancerous cells.
To answer your question, yes, the virus can be dormant for years but then become active and cause cervical dysplasia.
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I realize that you had an abnormal Pap test in 2003 but an normal Pap test in 2011. You could wait and continue to have annual Pap tests.
You mentioned that you have a type of HPV that puts you at high risk--for cervical cancer, correct?
Depending on your immune system, some people can clear the HPV, while for others, the virus becomes latent. This means it will not be active for a time and then become active. (like cold sores or shingles, which are both caused by viruses).
Cervical dysplasia is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix, indicating either precancerous or cancerous cells.
If you have a Pap test that shows abnormal cells, you would want to have the abnormal cells removed to prevent them from becoming cancerous cells.
To answer your question, yes, the virus can be dormant for years but then become active and cause cervical dysplasia.
Maryann
January 27, 2012 - 6:12pmThis Comment
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