Normal cytology but hpv positive

Can you have HPV and have normal cells?
HPV found with no cell changes - means you have high-risk HPV, but you do not have changes to your cervical cells..
Can you test positive for HPV and have a normal Pap?
The most common reason for a negative Pap test with a positive HPV result is that the patient has an HPV infection, but the infection is not causing any cellular abnormalities..
Can you test positive for HPV but have a normal Pap smear?
Early infections or resolving infections with HPV may not reveal any cellular abnormalities.
The most common reason for a negative Pap test with a positive HPV result is that the patient has an HPV infection, but the infection is not causing any cellular abnormalities..
What can cause abnormal Pap smears besides HPV? In the U.S., around three million Pap smears come back abnormal each year, but less than 1% are related to cervical cancer, Ferris explains. “Some people may have a yeast or bacterial infection, which can make cells appear reactive on the test.”

Sep 7, 2017In human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening, a repeat HPV test is often recommended for HPV-positive women with normal cytology AbstractMaterials and methodsResultsDiscussion

Can a cervical cytology test be performed after a positive HPV test?

Women with a normal cervical cytology result who test positive for HPV on routine screening have an approximately 4 percent risk of developing CIN 2-3+, which is lower than the risk for women with atypical squamous cells (ASC).
For this reason, colposcopy is not recommended as further testing after a single HPV-positive, cytology-negative result.

Can HPV test results change over time?

Yes, just like a Pap smear for cervical cancer, your HPV test results can change over time.
That’s why it’s important to have regular HPV and cervical cancer tests.
When should I call my doctor.
You should call your healthcare provider if you believe your lifestyle increases your risk for HPV.

How often should cytologic and HPV tests be performed?

Current expert consensus guidelines recommend repeat cytologic and HPV testing in six to 12 months to allow for resolution of transient HPV infection and colposcopy only if test results remain abnormal (i.e., HPV-positive or ASC or higher-grade cytology results).

Overview

HPV tests detect and diagnose the human papillomavirus that can turn normal cervical cells into abnormal or precancerous cells.
A positive HPV test result is a warning sign for cervical cancer.
There aren’t tests to screen for HPV in men or for cancers other than cervical cancer.

Test Details

How do I prepare for each HPV test?

What does a positive HPV test mean?

HPV tests detect and diagnose the human papillomavirus that can turn normal cervical cells into abnormal or precancerous cells.
A positive HPV test result means you could develop cervical cancer.
HPV tests detect potential cervical cancer.
They don’t detect HPV in men or any other cancer.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).