Laura Dolson's HPV and Dysplasia Home Page - Symptoms, Prevention, Risks, Treatment

Laura's HPV and Dysplasia Home Page

HPV, the human papilloma virus, has been linked to many cancers and intraepithelial neoplasias (commonly called dysplasias). Although most of the research that has been done on these conditions is in the female reproductive tract (especially the cervix, but also the vulva and vagina), the virus is linked to cancers and precancerous conditions in all of the following: eye, lung, skin, anus, penis, prostate, esophagus, and stomach. Learning this should not be a cause for alarm, but for hope. This virus is not new, and has been causing cancer for a long time. Even now, progress towards a vaccine is underway, which has the potential to prevent much anxiety, suffering, and death.

At this point, I'm leaving this site up for information purposes only. The material was mostly written in 2001. I can no longer answer questions about this material.

Articles About HPV and Dysplasia

Dysplasia 101 - The basics of dysplasia - causes, prognosis, and unraveling the mysteries of VIN and VAIN, SIL and CIN.

A Guide to Cervical Dysplasia Evaluation and Treatment - Help for navigating through the maze from abnormal Pap smear to the completion of treatment.

The HPV Test - Is it For You? - HPV affects 70-80% of people in the course of their lifetimes. When is it important to know when you've been infected?

Risk Factors for HPV and Dysplasia - A recent study following a group of young women through HPV and dysplasia has much to tell us about risks and prevention.

How To Prevent HPV - Is there a way to prevent HPV? What about prevention of dysplasia and cancer? Here's what we know at this point.

Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer - This article needs a better title, or needs to be rolled into other articles, or something. It was originally titled "Taking the Guilt Out of Cervical Cancer", but then I wrote the one below. Any ideas?

Taking the Guilt Out of Cervical Cancer - Strategies to help women let go of negative feelings regarding HPV and cervical dysplasia and cancer.

Test Anxiety - Are you going nuts waiting for a procedure or biopsy results? Your feelings are totally understandable - check out these tips for coping.

Questions and Answers about HPV and Dysplasia - women asked questions, I responded. I probably won't continue to answer questions in this format, but I am planning to put together some FAQ's.

Glossary for HPV, Dysplasia, and a few other gynecologic conditions

HPV and Dysplasia Support can be found at our Delphi Forum.

Great Links to More Information from all over the web!

Return to Laura's GynCancer Home

The material on this page and Web site is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not substitute for medical advice. Anyone having questions about the application of information appearing here to a specific person or situation should obtain advice from a qualified physician.