Hi-
I am in my early 20s and was diagnosed last October with HPV. It was very unexpected because I am consistent with my yearly tests and it had never come up. I have been with the same (female) partner for 3 years as well and she had the vaccination. I slept with a few (under 4) men in my lifetime and more women. I am now in a very committed relationship so, this was unexpected since I have heard HPV in lesbians is uncommon.
After I was diagnosed, I did have a biopsy done and everything came back fine. My OB, who is very good, told me just to come back in a year for another regular exam and sent me on my way.
I have been terrified that this will grown into some form of cancer. I am aware with my high strung personality that hypochondria is typically to blame. I have seen many doctors for every little thing due to paranoia more than anything.
I recently read throat and neck cancers can be caused by HPV in young people. I noticed about two years ago now a very small (less than 1cm) lump right under my chin. I immediately went to an ENT and had two biopsies and several appointments. He ruled out any kind of cancer and said with my history of Mono at a later age and constant strep throat/bronchitis (I get some form at least twice a year) that it isn't uncommon to have a small lump in my throat area. Since it was so small he also said it was nothing to worry about. I didn't believe him so, I had two biopsies done (I insisted he do that). Everything normal.
In the winter I sometimes suffer with bad colds/flu-symptoms (I was sick a week and a half ago). The cold and sore throat have been lingering but, I saw my doctor and he said I was fine and prescribed cough medicine.
Could I have throat cancer or any type of cancer associated with HPV that my doctors haven't caught? Or, is this in my head and I am just at the end of yet another cold? I have such anxiety surrounding illnesses and I am always positive I am sick with something new every week. It's really hard living with anxiety like this. Does anyone else get this worked up?
Thanks,
Jen