Testicular Cancer/HIV relation (follow-up question)

[allen77]

Hello there Doctors (HHH),
I posted a few months ago asking about my risk for being infected with HIV and provided some basic information on my background, including a recent diagnoses of testicular cancer (non-seminoma). Here is the link to the previous post: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/My-risk-profile-real-risk-of-HIV/show/1373109?personal_page_id=1838763#post_6266316

I still admit to being anxious about HIV. I did want to ask for your opinion regarding if TC is anywhere close to being "automatically" related to HIV. I have read that it is a risk factor for it. I cannot help but wonder how this happened to me and honestly, hope that HIV didn't cause it.

Your previous comments and advice were very reassuring and honestly if I hadn't been diagnosed with the TC I would have just moved on from this. Again...caucasian heterosexual non-IV drug using male..residing in the U.S. Outside of the anxiety, would you say that I need the testing based on my history AND now the TC?

I realize that this question is pretty close to my last one. I still do appreciate your time though.

And btw, I successfully completed (and survived!) the chemo and am doing well. It was tough but, I made it. Just looking to move on from this already.

Thank you again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to the Forum.  I have reviewed your prior posts, both on our Forum and with Terri.  I think you may have things backwards.  Your posts indicate that you do not have HIV at this time, thus the question I think you want to ask (correct me if I'm wrong) is, does having (or having had- congratulations on getting through your chemo) testicular cancer increase your risk for GETTING HIV. The answer is no, there are no data to suggest this, nor any reason to consider it likely.

On the other hand, you may be aware of data that suggest an weak association between having HIV and risk for testicular cancer.  This has been shown.  The explanation for what may going on is that the effect of HIV on the immune system may hamper the body's tendency to prevent cancers, including testicular cancer, from occurring.  It turns out that many types of cancer but particularly skin cancers are more common in person with HIV because of this.  There is also a slight (and I emphasize, slight) increase in risk for development of testicular cancer through the same mechanism.

Having reviewed your prior posts and descriptions of your lifestyle, unless you have gotten wild since you last described your risks, you have little reason to worry about HIV.

I hope this explanation is not too convoluted and makes sense.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to hear it. the oral swab test provides highly reliable results.  Believe them and take care.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Absolutely.  Your 2.5 month (10 week) test provides definitve evidence that you do not have HIV.  EWH

[allen77]

Just one last question if I may. The rapid oral HIV test that I had....was done roughly 2.5 months after my last unprotected encounter. Just looking for reassurance that I am in the clear with the time frame.

[allen77]

You too, Doctor. Thank you for everything.

[allen77]

Hey Dr. Hook....I gathered the courage to finally get tested last night and it was negative. They used a rapid oral swab test.

Thanks again!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help. take care. EWH

[allen77]

Hello Dr. Hook,
Thank you so much for the quick reply. First off no....no wild and craziness for me lately (haha).

I appreciate both of your explanations but I was looking more for the association between the two. More of a "Did HIV cause my testicular cancer?". You explained that perfectly and I thank you (yes everything makes sense). And no I have never had a dx of HIV. Was/am just worried that it could have caused the TC...if I needed to seriously be concerned with being tested with HIV after the TC dx, etc. Thank you for saying I have little reason to worry.

Based on my knowledge and research (especially these forums) and of course all of your reassurance (yourself, Terri, and Dr. HHH)....I am putting all this to bed. I have learned a lot here.