HPV and atypical glandular cells

15 years ago, I had an abnormal pap.  Not sure what the exact classification was, since I was only 18 years old.  I had tested positive for HPV, had a coloscopy, and a nitrogen freezing procedure.  After this I have had 15 years of normal pap smears.  I just recently had a pap come back atypical glandular cells.  I am terrified!  Wondering if this could be HPV coming back, and what my outlook might be.....  Thanks for your help!

[Hollyv]

I'm not sure that I totally understand...
There was no HPV test on the market 15 years ago or not one that was FDA approved. You may have had an abnormal Pap but it appears you were caught in an era that did not understand abnormal Paps because the current thought would not be to do a colposcopy and freezing at age 18 unless the Pap was very abnormal (and I'm not sure how anyone would know now because they are not supposed to do Paps under age 21). There is no way to know if your recent Pap has anything to do with HPV unless you had an HPV test. Pap testing is not always accurate and your Pap result could be simply an error but abnormal glandular cells need to have a follow up as soon as your OB/Gyn can schedule a colposcopy. Abnormal glandular cells need a follow up because a Pap is mildly accurate and colposcopy done by a good colposcopist is more accurate and they can get biopsies (very accurate) for a diagnosis.  They are looking for dysplasia (abnormal cells) in the transformation zone of the cervix but abnormal glandular cells can also be caused by benign conditions such as polyps or inflammation. This may not be a great answer to your question but it means that you will not really have an accurate answer until you have a colposcopy. Either you will find that the Pap result was not accurate or it is possible that they may find dysplasia, and there are several levels of dysplasia or  “precancer” (remember “precancer” is not cancer). It would be doubtful for them to find cancer since you have had routine Paps for 15 years. If they find anything it should be something that can be treated pretty easily. Don’t be terrified, just try to relax and take things one step at a time, there are no answers until you have further testing; just get in for the colposcopy and then you can deal with the results. I know this is scary but there are a lot of Pap results that cause further testing and the outcomes are good. Just take things one step at a time and try to understand the testing and ask your Dr. a lot a questions. Get a second opinion if you are not comfortable.

[Jgroeder]

Thanks for your help!  It makes me feel better to hear that from someone else.  I have an appointment next week for colposcopy.