HPV 16 after Total Hysterectomy

After having my son 13 years ago I had continuous abnormal smears which resulted in repeated colposcopy treatments including Lletz and cone biopsies. Last summer it was decided after finding CIN2 and High risk hpv at my smear a hysterectomy would be the best option as they were limited on what minor treatments they could continue to do without causing damage.
So November last year I had a total hysterectomy by abdominal surgery. I recovered fairly quickly apart from the odd water infection and twinge of pain and 4 weeks ago went for my 6mth check up. I have just found out I have HPV 16 after my recent pap test.

I am now wondering if this is likely to lead to further problems down the line if it continues to be there and is there anything they can do to get rid of this? Is there still a high chance it could turn to cancer?

Have never really been given any advice or support throughout the last 12 years and don't feel I always get the full facts from consultants, in fact I am in the process of making a complaint about my over all care, but that is another story.

Just really worried I went through a hysterectomy for nothing as still have the same problems and results I was previously having. ANy advice would be gratefully received

Hi there, I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. You must be so upset that problems have popped up again so quickly.

I would strongly recommend that you try to find a different doctor to at least get another view point. Hopefully you can see a different doctor and get more clear information, because it sounds as though you haven't been able to get the answers that you need.

In the meantime - I am not a doctor, but here is my understanding: HPV 16 isn't a very friendly virus, but if your cervix is gone than you would have much lower risk for cervical cancer than before. However, it is possible that some cervical cells remain in your scar so there is a very small risk of still getting cervical cancer if you have those cells. Also, there would be a risk for vaginal cancer, but fortunately it is quite rare. I think you will always need to just stay very alert and good about going to your annual exams to be sure that you stay healthy.

I don't think you should feel that you went through everything for nothing, because certainly you have reduced your risks a lot. My doctor took everything but my ovaries, even though other parts weren't causing problems because she said "why give them a chance to cause a problem?" Your surgery will certainly help you over the long run, I am sure.

HUGS!

Thanks for the reply I have seen quite a few different consultants over the year's due to moving areas but this hospital seems particularly bad. I am going back next week to see the consultant so will hopefully get some answers. My understanding was that hpv 16 meant I was high risk which is why I had the hysterectomy x

	Quote:
Originally Posted by gkkaeuper Hi there, I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. You must be so upset that problems have popped up again so quickly. I would strongly recommend that you try to find a different doctor to at least get another view point. Hopefully you can see a different doctor and get more clear information, because it sounds as though you haven't been able to get the answers that you need. In the meantime - I am not a doctor, but here is my understanding: HPV 16 isn't a very friendly virus, but if your cervix is gone than you would have much lower risk for cervical cancer than before. However, it is possible that some cervical cells remain in your scar so there is a very small risk of still getting cervical cancer if you have those cells. Also, there would be a risk for vaginal cancer, but fortunately it is quite rare. I think you will always need to just stay very alert and good about going to your annual exams to be sure that you stay healthy. I don't think you should feel that you went through everything for nothing, because certainly you have reduced your risks a lot. My doctor took everything but my ovaries, even though other parts weren't causing problems because she said "why give them a chance to cause a problem?" Your surgery will certainly help you over the long run, I am sure. HUGS!

They did a pap after your hysterectomy? What exactly did they test?

Apparently I needed a 'smear' or whatever it is called now I have no cervix, 6months after i had the op and again in another 6months to make sure everything is clear. From what I have been told over the phone they results came back normal and I have hpv 16. Little confused myself over what they were checking as no-one has really explained this. But like I said it is the only check I have had since the op, 6mths later, the young girl said my scar looks like it is healing and will fade in time and I can now have sex.....apart from that she didn't really say or check anything.