“Am I considered to "have cancer"?”
I have had cancerous polyps in my past. They were removed, never having radiation or chemo. The cancerous polyps were a result of HPV. I am not on any type of cancer preventative medication and have been cancer-free for over a year now. All I do is maintain a healthy lifestyle, no smoking, and a healthy diet. I am 56 years old and need to know if I am still medically considered as "having cancer".
Female | 56 years old
2 Answers
Hello. You ask an interesting question. HPV (human papilloma virus) is a very frequent transmissible agent for humans. It is commonly present in asymptomatic individuals and frequently is eliminated with the passage of time. However it has been shown to be the causative agent in cervical cancers and frequently is present in head and neck cancers. I am assuming that your polyps were cervical polyps that were diagnosed by your gynecologist during routine examinations.
The polyps were removed surgically and have not recurred.
It is important that you continue to have routine examinations by your gynecologist. This person may also be performing tests to determine if the virus continues to be present in your body.
It is possible to be reinfected with HPV if the culture tests are currently negative.
My impression is that you do not currently have a viral infection or an uncontrolled cancer. You are, however, at a higher risk of an HPV cancer recurring. It is important that you continue regular evaluations with your physicians. For further information I would suggest consultation with the guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (www.nccn.org). This group publishes treatment guidelines for about 98% of cancers and are updated at least annually or more often as necessary.
The polyps were removed surgically and have not recurred.
It is important that you continue to have routine examinations by your gynecologist. This person may also be performing tests to determine if the virus continues to be present in your body.
It is possible to be reinfected with HPV if the culture tests are currently negative.
My impression is that you do not currently have a viral infection or an uncontrolled cancer. You are, however, at a higher risk of an HPV cancer recurring. It is important that you continue regular evaluations with your physicians. For further information I would suggest consultation with the guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (www.nccn.org). This group publishes treatment guidelines for about 98% of cancers and are updated at least annually or more often as necessary.
Sounds like you have a history of cancer but no active disease now.
Camile Hexsel, MD
Camile Hexsel, MD
