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Is It Safe To Use Imiquimod For Abnormal Anal Pap Smear?
Brief Answer:
I do not see the purpose behind its use now; but no harm but with docs appr
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I understand you have done some research to find Imiquimod and i appreciate that, but I would still like you to know when Imiquimod is used and why?
It is mainly used to treat carcinoma when surgery is not an option.
It is also used to reduce the size of the warts seen around the genital region when they first appear due to human papillomavirus (HPV).
So my first recommendation would be to check for HPV, and if at all it is present to initiate treatment for HPV. I am not sure what the benefit of Imiquimod would be for you right now. But I do not see the harm in using it, but only with approval from your treating doctor, not otherwise.
I hope and pray you are fine soon, and all this passes at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
I do not see the purpose behind its use now; but no harm but with docs appr
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I understand you have done some research to find Imiquimod and i appreciate that, but I would still like you to know when Imiquimod is used and why?
It is mainly used to treat carcinoma when surgery is not an option.
It is also used to reduce the size of the warts seen around the genital region when they first appear due to human papillomavirus (HPV).
So my first recommendation would be to check for HPV, and if at all it is present to initiate treatment for HPV. I am not sure what the benefit of Imiquimod would be for you right now. But I do not see the harm in using it, but only with approval from your treating doctor, not otherwise.
I hope and pray you are fine soon, and all this passes at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had a similar experience about 4 years ago and that was rhe protonol that was used. I have had an anal pap smear once a year and each was negative. It is my understanding that the ascus cells which turned up on tiis smear are harmless. I do have hov and hpv. My guonocologist wants me to see a colo rectal specialist.Would this pap result be a red flag for a tunor in the anal canal
Brief Answer:
Not necessarily; yes it could be, but not completely
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again.
The ascus (atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance) cannot completely be ruled out as harmless, and when they are seen I think a repeat pap is in order without doubt. There are multiple reasons why atypical cells are seen, and as you do not have either HIV or HPV, the best option would be to repeat the pap smear in a while and then take the required action from there on.
Yes, you should see a cool-rectal specialist. Not this pap smear, but this pap smear along with the repeat pap smear (also reporting atypical cells) would most certainly be a red flag for some abnormality in the anal canal.
Best wishes.
Not necessarily; yes it could be, but not completely
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again.
The ascus (atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance) cannot completely be ruled out as harmless, and when they are seen I think a repeat pap is in order without doubt. There are multiple reasons why atypical cells are seen, and as you do not have either HIV or HPV, the best option would be to repeat the pap smear in a while and then take the required action from there on.
Yes, you should see a cool-rectal specialist. Not this pap smear, but this pap smear along with the repeat pap smear (also reporting atypical cells) would most certainly be a red flag for some abnormality in the anal canal.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I think you misread a portion of my 1st reply. I have both hiv and hpv. Lat t cell vount in march of 2015 was 1438 and viral load undetectable. I suppose my second clarification is should I get a 2nd anal pap smear before seeing a colo rectal specialidt.
Brief Answer:
My apologies; yes pls repeat pap smear when your GYN recommends it
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Oh, my apologies. With the given addition of HIV and HPV ma'am, you should undoubtedly go for a repeat anal pap smear when your gynaecologist recommends the second pap and immediately consult a cool-rectal specialist with both pap results.
Best of luck and please do not think twice before writing to me, I am always here to help you.
My apologies; yes pls repeat pap smear when your GYN recommends it
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Oh, my apologies. With the given addition of HIV and HPV ma'am, you should undoubtedly go for a repeat anal pap smear when your gynaecologist recommends the second pap and immediately consult a cool-rectal specialist with both pap results.
Best of luck and please do not think twice before writing to me, I am always here to help you.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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