Sexually Transmitted Diseases Forum - Papilloma virus , HPV , and cervical cancer

Conditions and Diseases > Sexually Transmitted Diseases Forum > Papilloma virus , HPV , and cervical cancer

TOPICS DOCTOR QUESTIONS

Cancer

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with cancer. But what exactly is cancer and how does it affect the body?...

Q: Papilloma virus , HPV , and cervical cancer

asked by: DoctorQuestion on June 22nd, 2007

My pap smear has come back showing the presence of the papilloma virus. My doctor says papilloma virus can lead to cervical cancer.

I had a hysterectomy when I was 28 years old. Is it still possible that I could develop cervical cancer?

Also, my boyfriend, who is 32 years old has not shown any signs of this virus. But, obviously, now both he and his wife are exposed to it, as well as any other partners he might have, especially young women who are at the highest risk for developing cervical cancer after being exposed to the papilloma virus.

I have been in this relationship with this man for ten months.

I had a bad infection almost a month ago with swelling, itching, pain upon urination and some blood as well as darkened urine. Is this when this first started? Can the papilloma virus be successfully treated? What is the treatment for it in general?

Thank you.

Replies(1)

DoctorAnswer Doctor Answer

replied on July 2nd, 2007

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Answer A2979

Women who have had a hysterectomy may still need regular pap smears depending on the reason for the hysterectomy. If an abdominal hysterectomy has been performed, the cervix usually remains intact. There are more than a hundred types of HPV. Some of them are known to increase the risk of developing particular types of cancer and are called "high risk HPVs". These types of HPV can lead to abnormal changes of the cells called dysplasia. Dysplasia is not a cancer; it's described as pre-cancerous. HPV is spread via skin contact, often during sex. The virus can be inactive for weeks, months or even years after the infection is contracted. There's no specific treatment of this type of HPV infection and therefore the prevention is the key factor in the prevention of cervical cancer.

DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Sexually Transmitted Diseases , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.

This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc