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The Pap smear tests for
abnormal or “atypical” cells in your cervix (the opening to the uterus or
womb). Abnormal cells could signify “precancer” or early stage cancer.
A specially trained health care professional collects a sample of cells form the
cervix and sends them to a lab for examination by a pathologist. The Pap smear
is a “screening” test, not a diagnosis.
A Pap smear is not the same as
a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, a specially trained health care
professional looks at and feels the other organs around your cervix to make sure
their shape and size is normal. A Pap smear is usually part of a pelvic
exam. If you're not sure whether your pelvic exam includes a Pap smear, ask your
health care professional.
PREPARING FOR YOUR PAP
SMEAR:
·
Do Not
schedule your Pap smear during, or within several days following your period.
If done too soon following your period, it may cause more cells to appear
“abnormal”. Try to schedule it 10 to 20 days following your
period.
·
Do Not
use vaginal creams, foams, gels, douches or tampons 48 hours (two days) before
your Pap smear. These products could cause an “abnormal” result.
·
Do Not
have sex 48 hours (two days) before your Pap smear. Sex can irritate the skin
of the cervix or cause discharge (fluids) that can lead to an “abnormal” result.
The
“ABNORMAL” PAP SMEAR
An
"abnormal” Pap smear simply means some cells look different than normal cells.
There are many possible causes of an “Abnormal Pap Smear.”
·
Human papillomavirus (HPV)* causes
cell changes that are true abnormal Pap smears.
·
Mild infection, irritation from
yeast or tampons, or trauma from sexual intercourse also cause cell changes, but
these changes often go away on their own or can be easily treated.
·
The person reading the Pap smear may
see some normal cells as “abnormal” or “atypical”. (This is not a true
abnormal Pap smear, but it will require you to have the test repeated).
*WHAT IS HPV?
HPV is a very common virus
passed from the skin of one person to another during sex. There are many DNA
types of HPV. Some types cause genital warts-bumps on the skin around the
penis, vagina or anus which can be seen and felt. These are rarely dangerous
and can be treated topically. A few DNA types of HPV can slowly lead to cancer
of the cervix if they are not caught early and treated. Most women who have
HPV do not develop cancer, but some do. Cervical cancer can be prevented if
the abnormal cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer are found and treated
early. This is why getting a Pap smear once a year is so important to your
health. HPV can be managed.
·
There is a test called HPV-DNA
which you may elect to have done, if your pap is abnormal. It is expensive ($150
as of 10/2004). According to news releases 5/2004 and 7/2003 by the
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the HPV-DNA test “is not
appropriate for women under age 30 since they frequently test positive for HPV
that will clear up on its own”, usually in one – two years.
You must notify us within 2 weeks of your pap smear if you wish to
have this done.
What
if I have an ABNORMAL
PAP SMEAR??
If your Pap smear shows
abnormal cell changes, such as ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined
significance) or LGSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), we will
either:
·
Repeat the Pap smear in 3 or 4
months to recheck your cervix, or
·
Refer you to a gynecologist
What if my repeat pap
smear is ALSO ABNORMAL??
If the repeat is also
abnormal, you will be referred to a gynecologist for further evaluation which
may include: another pap smear, HPV testing, Colposcopy (viewing and examining
the cervix using a special lens which magnifies the cervix); and / or Biopsy
(taking a sample of tissue from the cervix for special laboratory studies).
This will give a DIAGNOSIS.
Take control of your
health!
Whether the plan is for a
follow-up Pap smear, an HPV test, a colposcopy or a biopsy:
- Keep your
appointment.
- Make sure you understand
the next step and why your health care provider chose it.
- Don't be afraid to ask
questions. Write down your questions and make a note of your next
appointment.
- Get a Pap smear once a
year (unless your health care provider tells you otherwise)
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