After learning more about HPV then I ever wanted to, I realize I don't care much about the more harmless types - as socially unacceptable as they may be. I'm looking for information about the kinds that affect most of us on this site. What percentage of women have been exposed to types 16 and 18? When type 16 is linked to so many cancers, it's extremely frustrating to look for information and come up with studies and testimonies touting the effectiveness of Gardasil. What about those of us who are PAST that point?
And another related topic-- if we are found to have type 16, what do we do about it? Until not long ago, most people wouldn't have been aware of HPV's link to cervical cancer. Now we know it's a factor in oral, anal and even LUNG cancer. I would not be surprised to hear, in time, that its effects are even stronger than currently believed. Now that HPV typing is possible, is there research to see how many women develop cancers or other complications from these more aggressive types? If not, then WHY not? What can we do to protect ourselves?
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HPV 16 - how many have it and what to do?
- By dazednconfused
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 10:36 am · 15 replies
- In HPV/cervical cancer vaccine prevention strategies
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Cancer Cervical cancer Breast cancer Anxiety HPV Lung cancer Gardasil
15 replies
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- By dazednconfused
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 5:32 pm
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Update - my doctor will not do an HPV test for type. Says treatment would be the same anyway, so therefore is not necessary. Any advice?
- By cwt5770
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 8:27 pm
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I don't have any advice, but I wanted to let you know that my doctor said the same thing! My pap test came bag and HPV + for a high risk strain, but of course it doesn't tell you which one.
I already feel worried enough. I feel like I might be able to sleep a little easier if I knew which strain I had. Although if I actually knew that I had 16 or 18, that might worry me more too.
The doc said it was rare to do typing and extremely expensive. I have no idea where you would even go to get it done or how to get it done.
- By flowershoplady
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 9:59 pm
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your doctors may need to get more up to speed....in march 2009, the fda approved the cervista hpv16/18 test.....not all labs have this testing ability yet, but it's out there. and, though the treatment for dysplasia may be the same, it's important to know the risks, and important to know when the hpv infection clears, ETC!
- By dazednconfused
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 11:13 pm
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Sounds like we're in the same boat, cwt--
And thanks again, FSL-- I agree. I'm certainly not looking forward to being more worried (which I would be if it was 16/18), but from everything I've learned over the last month or so, I feel like I'm just sticking my head in the sand if I don't get an answer. I've been with this OB/GYN for 15 years or so, and like him very much. I wish there was a way to get the test somewhere without switching drs. completely.
Does anyone know of a website that might give info on doctors or hospitals that do the hpv test?
- By sia
- Posted August 12, 2009 at 4:29 pm
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hello
i agree totally what about those past that point
i have cin 1 hpv and the type that i have is 16
you can find out doing an exam called pcr.
knowing that i have this type has made me
more emotional and i am thinking of having laser treatment .
I hope someone finds a cure to erase the virus alltogether
- By tam1
- Posted August 12, 2009 at 4:48 pm
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dazednconfused - i have a feeling your going to have a tough time finding a doctor who does the cervista testing right now unfortunately. since you know you have high-risk hpv, then you know you must keep up with your pap smears.
there are other aggressive hpv types other than 16 and 18 and i worry if women find out they do not have hpv 16 or 18 they may think they are 'out of the woods.' i tried to participate in the therapeutic hpv vaccine clinical trial but tested negative for hpv 16 so i was not a candidate. i've had aggressively recurring dysplasia (CIS) for nearly 10 years. my grandmother and great aunt both had cervical cancer so maybe that has something to do with it.
- By cattas
- Posted August 12, 2009 at 11:12 pm
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if i'm not mistaken type 16/18 aren't the only strains that cause cancer...there are others, in the 50s. after all there are what....100+ strains. i'm frustrated that i can't the hpv type test as well but what good is knowing that i have the most deadly of viruses.
i'm doing everything i can to stay healthy, eat right, exercise, be positive and life for the moment. i am where i am.
- By amycue
- Posted August 13, 2009 at 11:29 am
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Hi there,
I was just told I have 13 of the high risk types. 16,18,31,45.,are the ones to cause cancer. I go next week to a specialist. I am a 15 yr breast cancer survivor. What ever information you don't know ask your dr. or go to someone else. This is a virus that become quite serious. Speak up and be heard. I am afraid that I have cancer in my vaginal cuff? Would anyone know? Good Luck Ladies
Amy
- By dazednconfused
- Posted August 13, 2009 at 7:15 pm
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I assumed that 16 and 18 were the worst ones, and although my Dr. didn't do a type test, am assuming I have one of those since it progressed so quickly from normal every year to high grade dysplasia.
Ditto with the good luck wishes!
- By flowershoplady
- Posted August 13, 2009 at 8:51 pm
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amy, you probably have one of those 13 hpv strains, and not all of them. often the hpv test results will show the 13 high risk strains that are included in the test, but doesn't tell you which one you have showing as positive. did you get your results from the pap smear? 'abnormal' can cover a range of results, and it may relieve some anxiety to know your specifi pap smear results as you wait for your upcoming appointment.
- By amycue
- Posted August 14, 2009 at 7:33 am
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Morning ladies,
Yes the test showed positive reults for 16,18,31,33,39,45,51,52,56,58,59,and 68.
I go to the dr. in tuesday. Yes I am a bit worried. Hope to hear from more of you on this subject. Have a nice weekend
Amy
- By BBgirl
- Posted August 14, 2009 at 9:29 am
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My doctor told me people don't carry one strain but a chain of strains...i too got a big long sequence of numbers. including 16.
- By Zemphira
- Posted August 14, 2009 at 11:57 am
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I'm curious, if they can isolate the specific genoms of HPV, why can't this be done in men? I know that blood samples are pretty worthless, but they can be swabbed as well down in their nether regions can't they?
- By flowershoplady
- Posted August 14, 2009 at 5:01 pm
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amycue and bbgirl, 13 strains of hpv are considered 'high risk', and yes, many women have multiple strains of hpv, low risk along with high risk, but i think it would be unikely to have all 13 strains, and even more unlikely that all 13 strains would be active at the same time. i would encourage you to ask your doctor to further explain the test results.
zemphira, i think part of the issue of testing men is a practical one....how does one go about swabbing all parts of the male genitalia....hpv could be anywhere on the penis, scrotum, under foreskin (if not circumcised), etc. But, I still agree that there 'should' be a way to do this....even if it's not 'practical'.
- By jamiegirl
- Posted August 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm
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tam1 - the problem I think with the Cervista 16/18 test right now is that many labs have not started accepting it yet. I know that at my June exam, my gyno would have done it but Quest had not "approved" it yet. She said it would be soon though.
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