Question: Hi Dr. Kumar! You helped me in the past with some questions pertaining to a schneiderian papilloma which was found in my left nasal vestibule.
Hello! This is probably a somewhat "crazy" question pertaining to some tests ordered by my surgeon, but I made the mistake of googling (plus I suffer from some health anxiety) and was wondering if you can put it into perspective for me. Five days ago, I had surgery for removal of the nasal papilloma, which turned out to be an exophytic Schneiderian papilloma upon pathology -- I have attached a copy of the pathology report. As you will see, my surgeon also ordered studies for low risk and high risk HPV (I understand that for the most part, this type of schneiderian papilloma is caused by low risk HPV). I also saw that a P16 test will be performed. Of course, I couldn't resist the urge to google P16 and I understand that it is a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor and that if it is present and the test is positive, that HPV is usually implicated as the causative agent. I guess what scared me is that I saw reference to the fact that if there is complete absence of P16 it is abnormal and could indicate a gene silencing mutation -- with my health anxiety that has me worried that if that turns out to be the case with the results, I will have some crazy gene mutation and inability to fight off tumor growth (yes, I know my question is really "out there" lol). I am still waiting to see the results of the HPV and P16 testing, but can you shed any light on this for me, in terms of what positive or negative P16 results may mean in this context, and hopefully some reassurance that I am worrying needlessly?? Thank you so much!

Hi Dr. Kumar! You helped me in the past with some questions pertaining to a schneiderian papilloma which was found in my left nasal vestibule.
Hello! This is probably a somewhat "crazy" question pertaining to some tests ordered by my surgeon, but I made the mistake of googling (plus I suffer from some health anxiety) and was wondering if you can put it into perspective for me. Five days ago, I had surgery for removal of the nasal papilloma, which turned out to be an exophytic Schneiderian papilloma upon pathology -- I have attached a copy of the pathology report. As you will see, my surgeon also ordered studies for low risk and high risk HPV (I understand that for the most part, this type of schneiderian papilloma is caused by low risk HPV). I also saw that a P16 test will be performed. Of course, I couldn't resist the urge to google P16 and I understand that it is a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor and that if it is present and the test is positive, that HPV is usually implicated as the causative agent. I guess what scared me is that I saw reference to the fact that if there is complete absence of P16 it is abnormal and could indicate a gene silencing mutation -- with my health anxiety that has me worried that if that turns out to be the case with the results, I will have some crazy gene mutation and inability to fight off tumor growth (yes, I know my question is really "out there" lol). I am still waiting to see the results of the HPV and P16 testing, but can you shed any light on this for me, in terms of what positive or negative P16 results may mean in this context, and hopefully some reassurance that I am worrying needlessly?? Thank you so much!

Dr. XXXXXXX ..you are undoubtedly one of the kindest and most compassionate physicians on this earth! I cannot begin to thank you enough for being there for me to answer my questions and allay my worries over this crazy little nasal papilloma! As you know too well, my health anxiety and googling of these matters is the proverbial recipe for disaster for my overthinking mind! Please know that your work on this forum makes a tremendous difference in people’s lives. You are a godsend and I am sending you a big virtual hug! Thank you again!!

Dr. XXXXXXX ..you are undoubtedly one of the kindest and most compassionate physicians on this earth! I cannot begin to thank you enough for being there for me to answer my questions and allay my worries over this crazy little nasal papilloma! As you know too well, my health anxiety and googling of these matters is the proverbial recipe for disaster for my overthinking mind! Please know that your work on this forum makes a tremendous difference in people’s lives. You are a godsend and I am sending you a big virtual hug! Thank you again!!