Abnormal Pap Smear Results: What they might mean

If you have received a report from your doctor’s office that includes an abnormal Pap smear result, the first course of action is often to panic. What does it mean? Do you have cancer? The first step in analyzing your abnormal Pap smear result is to relax, because in most cases, the findings do not indicate a malignancy. It is important to have a good idea of exactly what a Pap smear tests for before you can understand exactly what the results of your test mean.

What Exactly Is A Pap Smear?

A pap smear is a test that takes a collection of cells from the cervix for observation and evaluation under a microscope. When some of the cells appear to be unusual or atypical, you will have an abnormal Pap smear result. Abnormal cells can come from a variety of sources that include infections, inflammations or a virus like human papillomavirus or HPV. Sometimes the cause is as simple as the use of a douche or vaginal cream, or because of recent sexual activity prior to the exam itself. It can also be an indication of cancer or a precancerous condition, so it is important for you to talk to your doctor after getting an abnormal Pap smear result to determine what the next course of action should be, or if anything should be done at all.

The Cause Of Your Abnormal Pap Smear Results

Your next step may be determined by exactly what type of atypical cells was discovered to give you an abnormal pap smear result. The outcomes of these exams are graded by the laboratories that perform them, and generally fall into five categories. If your abnormal Pap smear result was on the lower end of the scale, your doctor may determine that the result was the cause of an infection or inflammation, and may simply recommend that you repeat the test in six months to a year. If the cells looked more ominous under the microscope, he may suggest a procedure called a colposcopy, which will allow him to look at the cells around the cervix a bit more closely and remove a sample for a biopsy if he determines that is necessary.

The Good News About Your Pap Smear Results

The good news about a pap smear is that the results are generally fairly accurate for this type of screening test. This means that if you have a good result, you can rest assured that you probably don’t need to worry about any problems until your next exam. If you receive abnormal Pap smear results, there are plenty of diagnostic tests that can be done to find and treat your problem. Most doctors will recommend that you get a Pap smear every year as a part of your annual exam, although some medical professionals will stretch that time frame out to every two years if you have had a number of normal pap smear results in succession.

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Keep in mind that a Pap smear, while an important test for women to have, is merely a screening device for your doctor. It does not diagnose any types of problems that you may encounter, so you may require additional testing if you receive an abnormal Pap smear result. The good news is that only about one in ten Pap smears that are conducted come up with abnormal results, and of that number, very few indicate something as serious as cancer.

Article by Wendy Travis