Hi Terri

Low grade dyskariosis means there are some changes to cells. This is NOT cancer. Many people carry the hpv virus without knowing they have it because it doesn’t always cause cell abnormalities, but having some level of cell abnormality picked up on a smear test is a very common result for many women. 

HPV is transmitted by genital contact and there’s no way of telling where you got it. You may have had it for years, but the virus can go through periods of being dormant where it is not active and causing cell changes. 

It is not the case that hpv will always turn into cervical cancer. It is the primary cause of cervical cancers, but that doesn’t happen for everyone. It’s why the screening programme is so important-to pick up any cell changes before they become more serious. The colposcopy will allow the gynaecologist to take a closer look at your cervix and confirm the level of cell changes, which may just be monitored or may require a procedure to remove them. Good luck with your appointment and try not to stress about it. Remember, it’s not cancer..and I’d be happy to try and help if you have any further questions. 

Hi, 

thanks so much for replying. I’ve been told different things by different people this is why I’m so unsure. My doctor said it can’t lie dormant in women only men. Is this true? 

Many thanks :) 

Hi Terri

What your doctor has told you is simply not true, but there is huge amount of ignorance around hpv even in the medical profession. How would the doctor explain a scenario where someone has a test which is clear of hpv, then one which shows hpv, then one which doesn’t? Because that does happen. It’s true there is no hpv test for men however. 

Hi, 

I have also been diagnosed with low grade dyskariosis, but I was diagnosed with papillary kidney cancer in October and had my kidney removed in December, I am worried as I have already had cancer, am I more at risk for developing cervical cancer?