A 23-year-old female asked:
I have hpv and i had a pap. it came back atypical grandular cells. im very scared that i could have cancer. i've been tested every 6 months should i b?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Stephen Nogaanswered
Medical Oncology 36 years experience
Keep being tested: You are doing the right thing. Your doctor is keeping an eye on this with the serial pap smears. They will let you know if something changes. You can also ask you doctor for more information on these atypical cells to help you determine how much risk of cancer is really there.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Bahman Daneshfaranswered
Radiation Oncology 35 years experience
No: What you describe is not cancer. However you should continue your doctors advice and repeating the pap smears to monitor any further changes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Related questions
A 24-year-old female asked:
I tested negative for the all high risk HPV strains. However there were insufficient cells in my pap to receive an adequate cytology result. Considering >90% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, is a repap really necessary at age 24? Or can I wait?
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
You can wait but do keep your next appointment for PAP as advised by your doctor.
If you are not vaccinated for HPV, get vaccinated.
Wish you good he... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Jan 27, 2022
A 37-year-old female asked about a 35-year-old member:
I have been having leg cramps/pain. It is in both legs. It feels better when walking lightly. Can cervical cancer cause this? Normal pap and HPV, I go every 5 years. No swelling in legs orpelvic/back pain or bleeding. Walked 4.5 miles 3-4 days ago.
Dr. Ralph Bolinganswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 41 years experience
If paps and HPV: testing have been normal, VERY unlikely to be cervical cancer. These leg cramps maybe from low magnesium, a blood test and discussion with your doctor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
123 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Had hpv+, norm pap b4 hyster 4 benign reasons-normal path.Scared of oral hpv/cancer now.Been married 6 years. Should I worry?Is risk low?
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
Stop worrying: Everybody has a few strains of HPV. If you're a tobacco user, stop. If not, the risk is miniscule. Ask your dentist to keep an eye on the inside of yo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 46 years experience
Provided original answer
Thank you for the follow-up. Be happy for health and for all else that's good in your life.
Jan 29, 2015
A 22-year-old female asked:
I have HPV and warts. I am going in for a colosopy due to abnormal cells on pap. Could I have cancer?
Dr. Steven Hebertanswered
Pathology 31 years experience
Not likely: Hpv infection can lead to dypslasia of the cervix which can lead to cervical carcinoma. A pap smear is used to detect atypical cells. The vast major... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
View all answers
A 30-year-old female asked:
My pap came back negative, but hpv was positive. I have a biopsy scheduled. Why do a biopsy, if pap was negative? Could it mean I could have cancer?
Dr. Tinuola Adeyanjuanswered
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 41 years experience
PAP smear gets surface cells; with HPV being positive, it is better to get a biopsy and to have a closer look at the cervix so a targeted biopsy of wh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Jun 14, 2021
Last updated Apr 5, 2020
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