HPV virus and cell changes with RA

[Sallyb828]

Hi, just wondered if anyone has any experience of this-

I recently had a colposcopy after a smear test picked up that I had a high risk type of HPV with mild cell changes. However, following the colposcopy and a biopsy, the results came back that the cell changes are actually moderate/severe and hence it's likely I'll need treatment soon to get rid of these cells.

The nurse told me that because of being immuno compromised, the HPV virus is likely to stay around and hence won't go (as it often does in "normal" people) and so I will need to have a colposcopy every year. I'm worried that even though these current CIN2 grade cells will be removed, that I may just keep getting further suspicious cells appear due to the virus not leaving my body. (HPV is the leading cause of causing pre cancerous cells) Does anyone have experience of this? I'm just concerned I may now have years ahead of abnormal smears and cells and so just wanted to see if anyone had any feedback if they've been in a similar position,

Thanks all x

[allanah]

Ho Sally this has been posted on the rheumatoid arthritis part of HU so I dont know much about your issues. I hope you get it sorted theres probably a gynae cervical part of HU thats more skilled in this? xx

[Sallyb828 in reply to allanah]

Thanks so much, it was more just trying to find out if there's an actual link between having rheumatoid arthritis and the HPV virus causing cell changes too, (because of being immuno compromised), so I just wondered if more people with RA have had silimar experiences,Take care and thanks again xx

[allanah in reply to Sallyb828]

Ah, I would love to say I know but i dont ! Great question though , good luck finding out xxx

[Sallyb828 in reply to allanah]

Thank you, take care xx

[CagneysMum]

Hi Sally

I’m 58, have had RA for 3 years and had my first ever abnormal smear test last year which detected HPV cells. The letter said it was moderate, nothing of concern, should clear up on its own but they will retest me this year to make sure instead of waiting 3 years. Since that abnormal smear I’ve also started injecting Amgevita/biologics and although I mentioned the HPV result to my consultant prior to starting injections, he wasn’t concerned.

I’m due a smear test in March, so fingers crossed it’s all clear.

[Sallyb828 in reply to CagneysMum]

Thank you, fingers crossed for march, that's put my mind at rest that the consultant wasn't concerned too, take care xx