Pap smear testing is an integral part of women’s health. But what happens if you receive an “abnormal” Pap smear result? If you find yourself in this situation, you are certainly not alone.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, is the women’s health provider of choice for many women in and around Lanham, Maryland. She is happy to provide a little more insight into what an abnormal Pap result may mean.
A Pap smear is a leading screening tool to detect cervical cancer. The test is simple, affordable, and readily available to virtually all American women.
Pap smear testing is done during your pelvic exam. As you rest on the exam table, Dr. Leach uses a device called a spatula or brush to gather a small sample of cells from your cervix. Those cells are sent to a lab where they’re examined under a microscope.
Cancer creates changes in your cervical cells, and those changes are visually detectable microscopically, even in the stages before they turn cancerous. This means that it’s possible to take action in the earliest stages, when treatment is often most effective.
Anytime you receive a health screening result that is categorized as “abnormal,” it’s likely to cause immediate stress. After all, we all want our screenings to come back without any cause for concern. But an abnormal Pap smear is not necessarily an indication of disease. It’s merely a sign that Dr. Leach needs to take a closer look at your health.
An abnormal Pap result means that some of your cervical cells look different than the rest of your healthy cervical cells. This can mean a number of different things. Some of the more common causes for an abnormal result include:
There are also changes that might eventually develop into cervical cancer. If these changes are detected, Dr. Leach discusses your next steps and options.
If your Pap smear results are abnormal, Dr. Leach sits down with you to determine the best path forward. One screening option that is often used to learn more is called colposcopy.
This is a simple screening that is similar to your routine pelvic exams. As you recline, Dr. Leach positions a device with a light and magnification near your vaginal opening. This allows her to get a closer look at your vaginal and cervical cells. She might swab a special solution on your cervix that makes it easier to detect tissue abnormalities.
A cervical biopsy is also a common screening tool. This is also done during a pelvic exam, and involves gathering a small sample of cervical tissue for lab testing. Many women report a brief sensation similar to what you might feel during a Pap smear.
It’s important to stay calm and manage your stress level if you have an abnormal Pap smear result. There is no need to panic, and Dr. Leach is here to help you navigate your next steps.
In most cases, women who receive an abnormal Pap result simply need to continue coming in for routine screenings or come back to the office for a colposcopy and/or biopsy. Dr. Leach takes the time to answer all of your questions and provides the details you need to make an informed decision about your health.
If you’re overdue for a Pap smear, or want to learn more about how to respond to an abnormal test result, reach out to Dr. Leach online or by phone to book your visit at our office in Lanham, Maryland.
