WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for February, 2001: Re: cervical cancer and certain strains of HPV

Re: cervical cancer and certain strains of HPV

From: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 28 Feb 2001 12:13:07 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Liz: "cervical cancer and certain strains of HPV"

At Wed, 28 Feb 2001, Liz wrote: >
>I was diagnosed with HPV in 1993 via biopsy of the outer vaginal tissue,
>and was treated successfully. I did not have the vaginal warts on the
>cervix. I have not had any problems since then (ie., no regrowth). At
>the time, I was told only certain strains of HPV could lead to cervical
>cancer, and that I probably did n't have too much to worry about. How
>true is this? I am considering supracervical hysterectomy for fibroid
>problems and now I am wondering if I am at risk for cervical cancer and
>should have the cervix removed as well due to my HPV history. I really
>would like to keep my cervix though.

Liz, It is true that there are strains of HPV that are more likely than others to predispose one to cancer. Once you have the HPV virus in your system, it is always there. However, without knowing what strains you were troubled with, it is hard to know if you are at increased risk.

With regard to the supracervical hyst, I would say the following. I pride myself in being on the cutting edge of my profession, along with being blessed with remarkable training. Despite this, I have been somewhat blind-sided by this new phenomenon of supracervical hyst-leaving the cervix behind. To my knowledge, there is NO reason to leave the cervix in place at the time of hysterectomy. From a sexuality standpoint, the cervix provides little to no sensation during intercourse. At the time of any hysterectomy, the ligaments that support the uterus and cervix are transposed to support the vagina. Leaving the cervix does nothing more that assure that you will require yearly pap smears and certainly are at least at the population risk of cervical cancer, even without HPV in your history. Why, earth would you want to leave that thing there... Lynn

--
Lynn D. Montgomery, MD
Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Rocky Mountain Perinatal Center
Missoula, Montana

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.  This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options and/or interventions.

**Private e-mails cannot be entertained due to time constraints, consequently no private e-mails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD: "Re: ovarian cyst -- postmenopausal?"
Previous message: Loretta: "Unexplainable Weight Gain"
In reply to: Liz: "cervical cancer and certain strains of HPV"

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