no sex in 10 years but got hpv

[ceecee600]

Okay, here it goes, I recently went to my dental hygenist and she noticed I had something on my uvula in the back of my mouth and suggested I go to a doctor to find out what it was.  I went to an ent and it turns out it was a papilloma on my uvula and I also had a papilloma further down in my throat near my vocal cords, which I had both removed through surgery.  They were biopsied and it turns out are papilloma's and caused by the hpv virus.

I am a 49 year old women who has not had sex, (and I mean any kind of sex) oral, etc. in over 10 years.

Can a doctor or any one explain to me that if this disease is caused by sexual contact how it could show up after so long.

I went back to doc for a follow up and the papilloma has not returned.  He said it is a good chance that it will, so I must go back to him for an additional follow up in 2 months to see the results.

I just cannot understand how this happens after so long.

[roses711]

hope that this eases your mind some..cell changes/oral cancers found to have the HPV virus are more treatable than those that aren't ..the fact that they caught and removed it and are now aware of it are really great things

[turkee23]

yes HPV can lay dormant in your body for 10+ years so this is not uncommon.... they will check and recheck every 3,6, or 9 months to see if the abnormal cells have returned.....make sure you do all of the follow up appointments just to make sure it stays clear