Hi all,
I went for an annual exam 2 weeks ago, and my pap came back abnormal and positive for high-risk HPV. That was really hard to hear, since I have had 2 partners in 5 years and am not even currently sexually active. I am 28 and have never had an abnormal pap. I went back in Thursday for colposcopy, where 2 abnormal areas were seen. I had 3 punch biopsies and ECC. My doctor said they looked "mildly abnormal" and that I shouldn't be too worried, but I can't help it. It has been 2 years since my last pap due to a lapse in health insurance.
I am wondering what to expect next. I keep googling to find hints, which is probably the worst thing I could possibly do. I have several friends who have had abnormal paps, and one who has had biopsies, but she didn't test positive for high-risk HPV. How worried should I be, what can I expect, and is there anything I can do to help my body fight this?
TIA.
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What comes next?
- By phchic
- Posted October 17, 2009 at 7:25 pm · 4 replies
- In Early detection and testing
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- By kalalor
- Posted October 18, 2009 at 9:53 am
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Hi phchic,
I'm sorry you are facing all of these uncertainties. I am still new to all of this myself. There are many more women on this site who will be better able to articulate everything, but I will do my best for now to help you as I have been helped NUMEROUS times by women on this site.
You had a colopscopy and biopsies conducted last Thursday, right? Following a week after my colopscopy, I was called by my doctor to give me the results of my colopscopy. Like you, I was "mildly abnormal" or ASCUS from my pap which is what led to the colopscopy.
The doctor may also not call, but have you come into the office (it depends on the doctor). Anyhow, they will let you know the level of abnormal cell growth you have (as determined by the biopsies)...if they don't...ASK! I have high-risk HPV and my biopsies came back (surprisingly to me) as high-grade cervical dysplasia at stage CIN III. If they give you an ambiguous term such as mild, moderate, severe...just ask the doctor to clarify which CIN (I had to do that).
Depending on the level of severity a few approaches may be suggested. If they do find the biopsy to show cervical dysplasia, there are a couple of things the doctor may suggest. If it is mild or low-grade dysplasia (CIN I), the doctor may take a wait and see approach to let the body clear itself of these abnormalities and you will probably have more regular follow-ups with the doctor for more paps and possibly colopscopys if need be.
If it is at CIN 2 or CIN 3 (remember, still PREcancerous), the doctor may suggest a procedure such as a LEEP. This can be done at your doctor's office under local anasthesia or at the hospital under general anasthesia (dependent on the doctor). Apparently, the LEEP is not too much more complicated than a colopscopy...the recovery time just appears to be longer.
I think I'm putting you way ahead of the game...as I am detailing my own experiences...see how your biopsy comes back. Try not to worry!!! I know that's hard, but it's the best to keep a healthy immune system, too! Keep us posted and please come here for support. There are so many other women going through similar experiences and will always lend an ear and positive support!
Kristi (24 years old)
- By inspiredbyu
- Posted October 18, 2009 at 11:26 am
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I've been thru all of the above. I'm 58..Just recently had back to back LEEP procedures...one on 9/23...and biopsy came back "severe dyplasia" (dyplasia means pre-cancer)...then my doctor wanted to do another LEEP (Top Hat LEEP that I had done on 10/14), which he goes up further into the cervix to check and see if there are any more abnormal cells...will get another biopsy result this upcoming Wednesday, and go from there...which he will probably want to do a hysterectomy (because he has mentioned this in previous discussions). I can handle this. What I can't handle is the waiting in between to get results and what comes next. This all started this past 8/3 when i went to get my annual pap smear.
I know exactly what you are going thru. It's hard not to worry, but try and be positive.
- By ErinB248
- Posted October 18, 2009 at 6:31 pm
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Waiting is so hard! The next step will definitely depend on the results of the colpo. Everything Kristi said is absolutely correct! If your results come back and it is something that needs to be treated, they will present you with some treatment options. You don't have to decide that day! Take time (but not too much time) to research your options and to think of questions you want your doctor to answer. I got all of my questions answered before the procedure and it definitely gave me a feeling of confidence about what was going on when I went in for my LEEP. Hang in there! We are all here for you!!!
Erin
- By Andy_mph
- Posted October 20, 2009 at 9:56 am
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Your story sounds so much like mine. I too am 28 years old and have never had an abnormal pap before now. I had my pap about 3 weeks ago (it had been 2 yrs due to lack of insurance), and received a call last Friday from the nurse saying that my pap test came back abnormal and that I tested positive for HPV. I was shocked, because I have only had 2 partners in my life, one of which is my husband.
I have to have a colp done tomorrow, and I am sooo nervous. I have been researching online and found some good information, but sometimes it can make me more scared. As I read all of the things that could possibly happen, my mind races. I think the fact that I missed my pap last year makes me more scared, because the hpv could have been there last year and I didn't know it. I hope all goes well with you and for myself also.
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