[Question #7180] HPV16 HNC in 2011 - did I infect recent partner of 2 years?
58 months ago
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
58 months ago
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First, congratulations on the successful treatment of your pharyngeal cancer. I’m glad to hear that part of your story!
Otherwise, what an unfortunate and unpleasant situation. It is sad that your relationship came to this. Mutual counseling with an STI/HPV expert might have settled these issues both to her satisfaction and yours. As I think you’ll understand, the legal implications of your questions require a cautious response. Here is what I can say. Probably your oral HPV16 infection is long gone. Most HPV infections and dysplasia (not dysphagia) diagnosed at your partner’s age result from reactivation of past infections, not newly acquired ones. Normal pap smears over the years do not mean HPV is absent; HPV often reactivates after long periods of not being detectable. Most experts agree that people with past HPV, especially many years distant, are not obligated to inform their partners.
To the extent these comments help you understand the situation, I’m glad to help. But if your partner follows through with her threat to sue, you must not rely on them as your only response. In that event, of course you’ll need an attorney’s advice, in which case in-person consultation with an HPV expert might make sense.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
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58 months ago
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58 months ago
|
![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
58 months ago
|