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I am now 51 but had a positive HPV at 37 with dysplasia and a colposcopy with a conoscopy. Now it's showing up positive at 51 again ..what now?

By Anonymous January 16, 2011 - 12:59pm
 
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should I get another colposcopy since Drs. say wait for another pap in a year?

Add a Comment6 Comments

in fact, you have carried the virus for 14 years. you're lucky that there is no outbreak for so many years. but it turns worse now. better go to check with doctor again.

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January 20, 2011 - 7:39pm
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi Laurena - As a cancer survivor, I know the fear that comes with this disease. You're doing the right thing in seeking information, and the more knowledge you have about cervical cancer the more power you have.

This cancer starts in the cells of the cervix which is why the pap test is used to detect it: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix/page3

The National Cancer Institute provides a lot of information on cervical cancer, including this online brochure: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix

Your HPV history is an indicator that you're going to need to be sure to follow up regularly and also take precautions against HPV. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV

We aren't generally taught to take a proactive approach to our health, which is unfortunate. A lot of money is made through scaring people about cancer and suggesting various remedies or diets and such will prevent it. Having information and being proactive is much more helpful. Let me know if you have more questions, and good luck to you.
Pat

January 18, 2011 - 8:15am

If your doctor said to wait for another Pap in 12 months, it is most likely because you were tested positive for a low-risk strain of HPV, and your Pap test was normal. Most low-risk strains of HPV are suppressed by our immune systems and do not cause abnormalities or cancer.

You did not mention if your dysplasia was mild or severe, if it went away on its own or if you needed treatment. You also did not mention what type of HPV you were diagnosed with. HPV remains in your body, dormant, and can re-appear if your immune system is compromised. You can also be re-infected with HPV.

Does this information help? If you have additional questions, please let us know and provide more information so we can better answer your specific questions.

Here is some great information:
- CDC: Positive HPV test and Pap Test Results: what do they mean?
- Learn about HPV: ASHA
- The HPV Test

January 16, 2011 - 9:06pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

Sorry, it was a high risk HPV and, yes, I had dysplasia severe enough for them to do a conoscopy. I t does make me nervous to wait one y=ear just because my Pap came back ok. Could cancer cells be inside the cervix and not coming up as abnormal on Pap ? And thank you for all your help!

January 17, 2011 - 6:10am
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger (reply to laurena)

Hi laurena - No, it is not possible for you to have cancer cells inside the cervix which are not coming up as abnormal on your pap test.

January 17, 2011 - 6:49pm
(reply to Pat Elliott)

Pat, Thanx for your reply- Two of the women profiled here stated that they had normal paps but still had cervical camcer - this made me nervous.

January 18, 2011 - 7:12am
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