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HPV Positive to Cancer in 1 Year. Need insights please.

Mel1990
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Hi all, 

 

Hoping someone here can help me. I am 28 years old and recently diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer (for now). Basically I had a smear done 14 months ago and tested positive for HPV, I went back last month and tested positive for abnormal cells (high grade) and upon further inspection it came back as positive for cervicval cancer. 

 

The gynecologist was very helpful however I forgot to ask him how did it develop so quickly? Considering it takes 10-20 years for it to develop normally or even 4-5 years for people with weakened immune systems, how did this happen in 1 year? He said in a vague manner that it usually takes several years to develop but sometimes it happens quickly, which didn't help alot. 

 

As you can imagine my mind is racing and I'm thinking the worst, what is the cancer is elsewhere and has only just spread to the sample area meaning it's more severe then Stage 1. I had an MRI on Friday and will have the results next week but I was hoping to reach out to sometone on here to see if they could provide some insights? 

 

I'm hoping it's a case that the first test although positive for HPV was a false negative test when detecting the abnormal cells, that would be the best outcome but I just don't know what to think. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Mel x

  • Hi Mel,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat, and I'm sorry to read what you're going through at the moment. I can understand this must be difficult and it's not surprising that you have questions about this. You will likely get an opportunity to talk things through with your doctor when you get the MRI results, which I hope happens soon for you. I'd encourage you to write down any questions you have and then discuss everything at the time.

    In the meantime, our nurses may be able to advise on some of your questions, so if you'd like to give them a call then you can on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Mel,

    how are you getting on? My situation is very similar to yours, I have 1a1 but not seen the consultant yet so have so many questions and one of which is how the hell has this happened to quickly? 
     

    I take immunosuppressants and I've been reading about a link so I'm wondering if that's the case. I can't wait till I go in so I can ask all these questions, 

    How did your MRI go? Have you had any more news about what your treatment will be? Or have uou had treatment by now?  

  • Offline in reply to Ashlinglydia

    Hi Ashling,  

     

    I'm only just seeing your message now. Sorry to hear this has happened to you too, its difficult to say why this has happened so quickly. I was told that even though the average time for HPV to develop into normal cells and then into cancer this is only an average, there are many factors (including your immune system) that can lead to it developing in less time.

     

    My MRI came back clear, the MRI is only to detect cancers that are stage 1B or above, basically to see if the cancer has spread to the tissue. If you're 1A1 this is extremely unlikely so I'd try not to worry about it if possible (believe me I know this is easier said then done). I have completed my treatment now, as its 1A1 its extremely treatable, I had to get 2 laser treatments, 1 was to inspect the abnormal cells (which turned out to be cancerous) the second was because I actually had 2 cancer spots, it had jumped to a new area and that second spot was close to the edge of the sample, as a result they wanted to take a second sample to be sure (which came back clear). I'm glad to say I have been given the all clear and need to go back in 6 months time for a check up. Im sure you'll get the right treatment and if its 1A1 then you should be fine. 

     

    Mind yourself and let me know if you have any other questions 

     

    Mel

  • Offline in reply to Mel1990

    Hi Mel,

    So pleased to hear you're all sorted now. It's great news! Yes I'm so lucky my stage is so easy to treat; it's just a nuisance I want to get over and done with now! Have a lovely Christmas! 

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