Low grade cells

kcjonnie · New User Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 8

Hi,

I'm 43 and have abnormal paps for about 4 yrs (paps every 6 mos.) Until about a year ago, HPV tests always came back negative. A colposcopy was done...doctor said she didn't see anything unusual to biopsy, but did biopsy with a negative result. In this past year, the HPV test came back positive! It floored me, so I'm thinking, when did I get this? Doctor said I could have most likely had it for many years and it was dormant. I did get sick alot last year, my immunities were obviously down. Anyway, another colposcopy was done. Again, doctor said she didn't see anyting unusual, but did the biopsy. Negative results again. My latest pap once again showed abnormal, and now the doctor wants to do another colposcopy (last one was only 6 months ago.) The most recent pap showed low grade cells, when before the results were always ASCUS. So, are things getting worse? Do I need another colposcopy? Should they be doing any other tests? Why if the HPV was dormant for so long, would it continue to hang out now for a year (tests showing still positive?)

Any help or advice would be great. Thank you.

rockstar · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: Low grade cells

first, sorry that you have to be on this forum and it sounds like this whole experience has been a headache.

lots of questions, okay,

ASCUS and low grade cells are basically the same thing. ASCUS basically means there was a low grade cellular change.

I think your doctor is just being precautious (which is good) and doesn't want to let anything slip by. I would recommend continuing with the paps every six months and the colp when necessary. This could be your own personal call, but I like to be better safe than sorry with such a simple and safe procedure as a colp.

HPV can be dormant for many many years before it resurfaces. And most commonly the body can fight it on its own and won't progress into anything serious. There are only a handful of strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. I wouldn't worry about it still showing up on your paps unless it were to progress into something much worse.

And as far as doing any other tests, the next possible test would be doing a LEEP. After that, the only other tests would be reserved if your case were to get worse.

I would say though that you shouldn't worry too much. It appears that you are in good hands with your doctor.

Let us know how things go!
_________________
Stage 1B1 Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Cervix.
Diagnosed 5.7.09 @ age 20
Radical hysterectomy on 5.15.09
Wedding date: July 23, 2010

kcjonnie · New User Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 8

thanks Rockstar for your helpful reply! I hope you don't mind my asking another one or two....

Would the HPV positive tell the doctor exactly which strain I have. If it is not one of the common strains to cause cancer, do they treat/test differently and should it go away sooner?

Thanks again.

rockstar · Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: Low grade cells

As far as I know, there isn't really an accurate test to tell exactly which strain of HPV a person has, but I believe they are trying to develop such a test.

I believe the HPV DNA test tests for the most common types and the types you would want to watch. I believe that is why your doctor is being so cautious with you, is because he/she does not want it to develop into something worse, god forbid, it is a worse strain. But one thing that is good about cervical cancer is that it moves in steps, so it is easy to see its course and know what to do.

And if it is a strain that isnt' anything to worry about, it will go away on its own or at most be treated via colp.

hope that helps!
_________________
Stage 1B1 Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Cervix.
Diagnosed 5.7.09 @ age 20
Radical hysterectomy on 5.15.09
Wedding date: July 23, 2010

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Cervical Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others