Most women know Pap smears play a key role in diagnosing cervical cancer, particularly in its earliest stages before other symptoms occur. As a result, finding out your test results are abnormal can be alarming.
But abnormal results don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Lots of issues can cause those results. Instead, an abnormal result typically means you need additional testing to find out what’s causing those changes so you can take a more proactive role in staying healthy.
As one of Florida’s leading women’s health specialists, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery understands why abnormal results can cause concern.
In recognition of Cervical Health Awareness Month, we are dedicating this post to a better understanding of what those abnormal results might mean and what additional testing Dr. Perez may recommend.
Typically performed during a regular gynecology checkup, a Pap smear involves taking a tiny sample of cells from your cervix, the opening or mouth of your uterus. Lab analysis of these cells looks for any abnormal changes that could be signs of an underlying health problem.
While Pap smear results play an instrumental role in diagnosing cancer in its early stages, the fact is that an abnormal result doesn’t mean you have cancer.
Most abnormal results aren’t due to cancer-related changes, but instead can be the result of benign issues like:
Many abnormal results are associated with a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is so common, most sexually active people become infected at some point, and your body’s immune system naturally clears most infections.
Some strains of HPV are more stubborn, though, and these strains can eventually lead to cancer.
If your Pap smear results are abnormal, the next step depends on a few factors, including the type of abnormality and your personal health history.
For mild or low-grade changes, Dr. Perez may recommend repeating your Pap test in a few weeks or months. This gives your body time to clear a benign infection or heal in other ways to help determine if the change is the result of something more serious.
If you have strong risk factors for cervical cancer and your test shows more significant cell changes, or if we identify cells associated with the types of HPV that can turn into cancer later, Dr. Perez often recommends an in-office test called colposcopy.
Using a special magnifying lens, Dr. Perez closely examines the cervix, looking for abnormal areas of tissue. During the exam, he may take tiny samples of tissue (biopsies) for additional lab evaluation.
Colposcopy results are typically available within a couple weeks. Depending on those results, Dr. Perez develops a treatment plan that could include ongoing monitoring or more aggressive therapies for cancerous or precancerous cells.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having a Pap smear every three years beginning at age 21 for women at average risk. Pap smears are quick, taking just a few moments to perform while providing you with significant peace of mind.
Start the new year on a healthy note. If you’re due (or overdue) for your Pap smear screening, request an appointment with Dr. Perez and our team at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, today.
