Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query.

HPV is associated with cervical cancer .You have been treated for precancerous lesions of the cervix, implies you still have a risk of developing it again.

Pap smear is a good work up in screening for cervical cancer and it is rather unfortunate that you have not had it for a while. However, there are other screening tests which could be used as substitutes.

Visual inspection tests with Lugol’s Iodine and acetic acid combined with colposcopy could also be used though their sensitivity will be reduced due to the scar tissue covering the cervix os; however, they could screen for local spread in case of full blown cancer.

Another option could be a biopsy. Biopsy is usually done as a follow up test to pap smear or visual inspection test but in your case, it might be considered on the first line due to the difficulty in getting a pap smear.

If the above tests are done, and if they are good, you might consider a hysterectomy which is removal of the whole uterus which will prevent you from ever having cervical or even uterine cancer.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.

Hope this helps you.

Best regards,

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Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks again,

A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which part of the body is cut and removed. Unfortunately, the healing process following cervical biopsy leads to scaring that may lead to
-difficulty in identifying abnormal cells later and
-abundant bleeding
thus the repeated biopsy will not be good enough.
Cervical biopsy however can act as a treatment option if once it is done, the limits are free of abnormal cells.

Hope I have answered your query.
If you do not need any further clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.

Best regards

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