Pap Tests\.HPV test

tanda
tanda Member Posts: 174 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

Ihave never had a "suspicous" pap test . Because of my older age, and 3 years of normal pap smears, I had discontinued having Pap tests and, only had a gyn exam every other year. I was considering lengthening the times between those exams.

Now, given my a.c. diagnosis, and the fact that I was HPV positive (although the test didn't indicate which form of HPV) I was wondering if I have to start having Pap tests again.  This will be somewhat difficult because I can tell from my efforts with the dilators,( which are not going well.) that an internal exam will be painful and maybe not possible.

My question: for those of you that had ceased having pap tests, are you now having to start them again.

 

Tanda

 

 

Comments

  • TraceyUSA
    TraceyUSA Member Posts: 316
    #2
    Tanda

    I have never ceased having PAPs.  I have a yearly exam and although it is difficult post treatment, I believe it is necessary.  HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.  I would see what your doctor's advise.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
    tanda

    Because anal cancer is an HPV-mediated cancer in most cases, it is important to continue having paps.  As you know, cervical cancer is also an HPV-mediated disease, as well as vaginal and vulvar cancer.  So annual paps and pelvic exams should be continued.

  • jcruz
    jcruz Member Posts: 379 Member
    #4
    tanda

    I was looking forward to the once every 3 years pap before I had anal cancer.  Now that's out of the question.  I even had them every 6 months for a while.  I've also had some issues with the dilators and damaged skin but my dr. uses a pediatric speculum and I tolerate the exam well.

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #5
    tanda.....

    Hi,

    Although uncomfortable I too have continued with pap tests and in fact just had one last week with normal results. I do however ask that my doctor use a pediatric speculum as even with the (fairly) regular use of dilators I still have much scaring and stenosis. This last test caused quite a bit of bleeding right during the exam due to the blood thinner I now take.......oh the joys!

    Be well..........

    katheryn

  • nicotianna
    nicotianna Member Posts: 209
    #6
    mp327 said:

    tanda

    Because anal cancer is an HPV-mediated cancer in most cases, it is important to continue having paps.  As you know, cervical cancer is also an HPV-mediated disease, as well as vaginal and vulvar cancer.  So annual paps and pelvic exams should be continued.

    Pap test & HPV tests

    It is my understanding that a PAP test done on the cervix & an HPV test is seperate;  not the same.  An HPV test of the cervix is seperate, I think.

    Nic

  • nonichol
    nonichol Member Posts: 170
    #7
    Paps

    I am an Anal cancer survivor and just had my cervix lasered for moderate dysphasia. Get my results in two days . I think they caught it in time . But , yes please get yearly paps. I first had cervix lasered in 1997

  • Ouch_Ouch_Ouch
    Ouch_Ouch_Ouch Member Posts: 508 Member
    #8
    Been there!

    I suggest that you get a referral to a gyncological oncologist. This type of doctor has tons of experience with radiation-scortched vaginas, dilation problems, and HPV problems. I frst went to a standard female gynocologist who was inexperienced with our kind of cancer, very painful, and dismissive of my pain. She actually yelled at me to relax so it wouldn't hurt! The gyn-onc was like an angel in comparasin, even those he's a guy.

    The pathology report from when you were diagnosed may have the HPV type already evaluated. If not, ask the ocologist to request it be done on the biopsy specimen. Your specimen may still be cooling its heels in the lab's freezer.

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