Should I be concerned about HPV showing up on one pap smear?

Answer by  SgtPepper (23)

Yes, this should concern you. The symptoms of HPV can include warts which are treatable, although the virus is still there. The concern is that HPV is linked to different cancers, you need to be tested for these often, Although having HPV doesn't automatically mean you will get cancer.

Answer by  L58 (13)

You should definitely take a positive HPV result seriously. Some forms of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, so it is important to follow up on an ongoing basis to ensure no pre-cancerous lesions have developed. Also, any positive test means you could transmit HPV to another person.

Answer by  drJ (841)

People with uncleared HPV infections that don't produce genital warts can be at higher risk for cervical cancer. It's important to get regular Pap smears, so that your doctor can monitor you for the earliest cellular changes associated with cervical cancer.

Answer by  skateycat (124)

You need to discuss the results with your health care provider. There can be false positives on a test. In general, you will need a second test or possibly a cervical biopsy to truly diagnose this condition.

Answer by  Rose (6804)

Yes, it is concerning when HPV shows up on a pap, you should repeat the pap in six months and see if there are any cells that are bothersome. If so you will need to have a procedure done in order to remove the affected cells.