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Sunday, October 25, 2009

High risk HPV?

I'm really scared, had a Pap in Dec that came back with ASCUS, and was tested for HPV. It just so turns out I tested possitive for high risk HPV. My doctor is now sending me to a specialist for a coloscapy/bioposy. I am terrified! Is ASCUS cancer, am I going to die?
Answer:
HPV does cause changes on the in the "transformation zone" of the cervix that can lead to cancer. These changes are first noticed on a pap smear. Once a pap comes back abnormal the person is usually sent to have a colposcopy.
In the colpo the doctor will look at your cervix, place acetic acid (vinegar) on your cervix to see if there are any visible changes. After that he will take a sample of any changed cells noting where they are. 1-12 o clock. Then the doctor will take a sample of cell inside of your cervix (unless the patient is pregnant) These cells are sent to the lab to see how much the tissue has changed.
Most changes come back low-grade and many of those do not even show up on the next pap. If you are one of the rare people that has had high grade changes (unlikely if you have regular paps) the doctor will discuss treatment options.
Cervical cancer is one of the most slow growing cancers in the body. It can take 10 years for it to progress to a dangerous stage.
Go to your appt and do all your follow-ups.Colpos are minor, do not require any thing more than a pap, they are uncomfortable and do not keep you from having children in the future
dont worry hpv is soo common now days. you are not alone they will treat you if its anything serious.
Not really Ascus is just an abnormal pap. Basically I think it means the doc doesn't quite know why it is abnormal, but its not abnormal enough to be cancer. Usually means you get another pap, but in your case a biopsy.Yeah, you probably have HPV.
I completely understand your fear, I was diagnosed through a pap about 13 yrs ago with the same thing. They told me it was pre-cancerous cells. Caused by HPV. If this is what you have you are lucky to have caught it so early. However be very careful with the Dr. and treatment you choose. The Dr. that diagnosed me worked at a teaching hospital and suggested i have a surgery to remove part of my cervix. I got a second opinion outside that hospital and ended up "don't remember the medical term sorry" having my cervix frozen. It killed all the pre-cancerous cells and i have had no problems since. Pls feel free to email me with any questions I know you are scared.
My email is sjpiglet00@yahoo.com
and understand that i am not sure you have the same thing but it sounds like it to me.
There are over 100 types of the Human Papilloma Virus in the world. There are about 20 high-risk strains and by having a biopsy, they'll just be finding out which one they're dealing with and the best way to treat it. I was diagnosed with HPV last year and it's a scary time, but as long as you keep with treatment and get your reccommended paps every few months over the next year, you should be fine. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
You are not going to die but thank GOD you are proactive about getting your annual pap smear! HPV is SOOOOO common and a lot of people out there, men and women have no idea they have it. I think I read somewhere that about 85% of the population has HPV.I had the coloscapy and then the LEEP procedure not once but twice. And while I was not happy about it, it's better than developing cervical cancer. It's the lesser of two evils. You will be fine. Just please, please, please stay current with your paps. Once you have the procedure, you will have to go back every 3 months for a year for a pap, then every 6 months, then back to the normal yearly.Relax, it may sound scary now but you will be fine.

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