PAP and HPV test (new hpv test)

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

For follow-up, are we supposed to be getting annual Pap smears, as well as the new HpV test? Even if we knew we initially had a negative pap, but positive for HPV and/or our tumour was HPV positive.  It would not have made a difference in terms of treatment; however, I seem to recall that we should continue having gyn exams and pap/hpv smears.

MDAnderson Survivorship Guidelines (4 yrs and up) is very detailled for all kind of exams including  colonoscopies every 5 yrs! and Hep  B & C and Hiv screening (these may not be for everyone)

 

Comments

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited March 2017 #2
    Good question

    I have wondered the same thing. I had an HPV negative Papp the year before I was diagnosed with anal cancer that was positive for HPV. It makes me feel like I want a Papp test yearly even if I have to pay for it just for peace of mind. The Papp I got after cancer treatment didn't even have enough cervical cells for a good test- because of scarring.

    At the end of March I have a consult with Dr Ault at KU med center in Kansas City and will be asking those questions. Dr Ault helped create the HPV vaccine so I would think he should have an opinion. I'm also going to ask if my kids need to get the new vaccine that covers nine kinds of HPV even though they have had the gardisil that covers only four kinds. 

    I will post after I see him.

     

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

    I have gotten annual pap smear for decades, probably since I was 20 years old.  Of course, the HPV test was not available back then.  I do now get both annually post-treatment.

    Martha

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #4
    Martha

    Does your insurance pay for yearly Papp?

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #5
    Mollymaude said:

    Martha

    Does your insurance pay for yearly Papp?

    Mollymaude

    Yes, an annual pap smear is covered under my Well Woman Exam benefit, which pays for a pelvic exam, pap and HPV test.  I am 63 years old now and will have this coverage until I turn 65.  Not sure what will be covered at that time when my insurance will have to change.

  • Wisteria83
    Wisteria83 Member Posts: 160
    edited March 2017 #6
    Pap test

    I had a total hysterectomy about 15 years ago, so I haven't had a pap test because I have no cervix.  I do however, still have a vagina (for all the good it does me, lol) so I have to wonder if there's some kind of similar test for someone in my position.

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited March 2017 #7
    Pap

    Aren't guidelines changing though if you have an HPV negative pap - they don't think you need another one for a few years? This makes me nervous, I've gotten a yearly pap for so long. I can just hear someone saying "your risk isn't any higher than anyone else for cervical cancer so we don't think you need pap yearly".

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #8
    Mollymaude

    My gyno tried to bypass my pap smear a few years ago (after I had had anal cancer) and I insisted she do one.  I do not believe that those guidelines should apply to any woman who has had anal cancer, which is HPV mediated in most cases.  I don't think it can be proven that HPV ever goes away.  Therefore, we are still at risk for cervical cancer, probably even at higher risk than women who have had abnormal pap smears that, when repeated a few months later, came back negative.  I told my doctor that I want one every year and if it costs me out of pocket, I do not care.

  • tpiccin
    tpiccin Member Posts: 7 Member
    edited March 2017 #9
    HPV and Paps

    Hi Everyone,

    I read the boards regularly and although I do not have cancer, I work in the field as a cytotechnologist.  The guidelines as of now are a negative Pap and negative HPV, follow-up in 3 years.  With Pap testing not starting until age 21.  Personally, I do not like this at all.  You all here on the anal cancer site should absolutely be getting annual Paps, regardless, and especially if HPV was positive.  Also, Wisteria83, I know the doctors tell women if you dont have a cervix, no need for a Pap.  Drives me crazy!!  Women can get vaginal and other cancers as well found on their Paps.  While the Pap test was designed to pick up cervical cancers, I feel it is beneficial to still get the test done.

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited March 2017 #10
    Martha

    Wow good for you! I have the exact same reasoning as you do. I will be ready for my argument if gyn doesn't want to do it yearly. 

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #11
    Mollymaude

    We are the patients and it's our bodies, so I believe we should speak up.  The pap smear is such a simple, inexpensive and minimally invasive test that does not expose a woman to anything harmful, as opposed to imaging tests, for example.  And I really can't understand why the guidelines were ever changed.  The previous guidelines stating that yearly paps were indicated is what I prefer to abide by. 

    Martha

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #12
    Thanks

    Thanks Martha!

  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    edited March 2017 #13
    mp327 said:

    Mollymaude

    My gyno tried to bypass my pap smear a few years ago (after I had had anal cancer) and I insisted she do one.  I do not believe that those guidelines should apply to any woman who has had anal cancer, which is HPV mediated in most cases.  I don't think it can be proven that HPV ever goes away.  Therefore, we are still at risk for cervical cancer, probably even at higher risk than women who have had abnormal pap smears that, when repeated a few months later, came back negative.  I told my doctor that I want one every year and if it costs me out of pocket, I do not care.

    wish i had insisted

    you were smarter than i..... MD Anderson did NOT do one last November.... i just let it go but wish i had insisted..... i also believe because of radiation that we should get one each year.... am toying with the idea of having one done in my home town,........ sephie

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