Normal Pap Smear but New Lip Bump: Is It HPV?

The Pap smear results are normal, but there is a sudden growth on the labia?

Hello doctor, I had a Pap smear in early July, and the results were normal with no HPV virus detected.
After the test, I had no sexual intercourse at all, but last week, I developed a small white bump on my labia.
I'm wondering if it could be genital warts.
Is it possible that the HPV virus was present in my body but not active during the test, and then later became symptomatic?

Haley, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is recommended to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist for an examination.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/07/19

More Info

It’s understandable to be concerned about new symptoms, especially after receiving a normal Pap smear result. The situation you described raises several important points regarding HPV (human papillomavirus) and its potential implications.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and there are many different strains of the virus. Some strains are considered high-risk because they can lead to cervical cancer, while others are low-risk and may cause benign conditions such as genital warts. The Pap smear is a screening test primarily designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer, but it does not test for the presence of HPV itself. Therefore, a normal Pap smear does not necessarily mean that you are free from HPV.

In your case, since your Pap smear was normal and showed no signs of HPV, it is possible that the virus was not present at the time of the test or was at a level that did not cause detectable changes in cervical cells. However, HPV can remain dormant in the body for years, and it’s also possible to contract the virus after your last sexual encounter, especially if you have had previous sexual partners.

The appearance of a white bump on your labia could be due to several reasons, including but not limited to HPV-related warts (condyloma), other benign skin conditions, or even an irritation or infection. It is essential to have this bump evaluated by a healthcare professional, preferably a gynecologist, who can perform a thorough examination and possibly a biopsy if needed. This will help determine the nature of the bump and whether it is related to HPV.

Regarding your concern about whether the HPV test could have missed an infection, it’s important to note that HPV testing is typically done alongside a Pap smear in women over the age of 30 or in women with abnormal Pap results. If you have concerns about HPV, discussing the possibility of HPV testing with your doctor may be beneficial, especially since you are experiencing new symptoms.

As for the timing of vaccinations, the HPV vaccine is effective in preventing certain strains of the virus, particularly those that are high-risk for cervical cancer and those that cause genital warts. However, if you are already infected with a strain of HPV, the vaccine will not cure the infection. It is still recommended to get vaccinated, as it can protect against other strains of the virus that you may not have been exposed to yet.
In terms of the sequence of actions, it would be wise to first have the bump evaluated by a healthcare provider. Depending on the findings, they may recommend further testing or treatment. If HPV is confirmed or suspected, discussing vaccination at that time would be appropriate.
In summary, while your Pap smear was normal, the appearance of a new bump warrants further investigation. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action, including whether to pursue HPV testing or vaccination. Regular follow-ups and screenings are crucial for maintaining reproductive health, especially in the context of HPV.

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