What is an abnormal Pap test?
Quality Health | Abnormal Pap Testpart of your routine gynecologic exam, you will have a Pap test (also called a Pap smear). A Pap test is used to identify abnormal cell changes on your cervix and to screen for cervical cancer. abnormal Pap test indicates that cells on your cervix have changed. An abnormal Pap test result is not uncommon because the cells of the cervix normally undergo constant change.
Related QuestionsAbnormal Pap TestA Pap test, or Pap smear, is part of a woman's routine physical exam. It is the best way to prevent cervical cancer, because it can find cells on your cervix that could turn into cancer. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. When your doctor says that your Pap test was "abnormal," it means that the test found some cells on your cervix that do not look normal. It does not mean that you have cancer. In fact, the chances that you have cancer are very small.Related Questions
What causes an abnormal Pap test?
Quality Health | Abnormal Pap TestMany abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, or other types of infection, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas). Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. Usually cell changes return to normal on their own or after an infection has been treated or has resolved on its own.
Related QuestionsWhat if Pap test results are abnormal?
FAQ's - NCCC National Cervical Cancer CoalitionIf the Pap test shows an ambiguous or minor abnormality, the physician may repeat the test to determine whether further followup is needed. Many times, cell changes in the cervix go away without treatment. In some cases, doctors may prescribe estrogen cream for women who have ASC?US and are near or past menopause. Because these cell changes are often caused by low hormone levels, applying an estrogen cream to the cervix for a few weeks can usually help to clarify the cause of the cell changes.
Related QuestionsPlanned Parenthood of Chester County || Health Services || F...Remember, most abnormal pap tests do not mean cancer. Pap tests help detect abnormal cells, symptoms of STIs, infections in the cervix or concerns related to menopause. Your clinician will advise you on what next steps to take.Related Questions
Have you ever had an abnormal Pap test (for women)?
Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus), SVCMC; New York NYAfter your health professional takes your medical history, you will have a gynecological exam, which usually includes a Pap test. If your health professional finds areas of abnormal tissue on the cervix (which may be related to HPV infection), he or she may recommend treatment. When your health professional finds abnormal tissue but cannot make a definite diagnosis, you may have a biopsy for lab tissue studies. Testing for the type of HPV that is causing warts is not useful for diagnosis.
Related QuestionsWhat increases my risk for an abnormal Pap test?
Quality Health | Abnormal Pap TestMost cervical cell changes are the result of high-risk sexual behaviors by you or your partner, such as having multiple sex partners and not using condoms. These behaviors increase your risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you are in a single-partner (monogamous) relationship, an abnormal Pap result caused by HPV may not indicate current high-risk behavior.
Related QuestionsWhat follow-up do I need for an abnormal Pap test?
Abnormal Pap Test, SVCMC; New York NYMany abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), or other types of infection, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas). The most common cause is HPV infection. Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test. Cells of the cervix are more likely than most body cells to undergo abnormal changes because cervical cells normally undergo constant change.
Related QuestionsFor more information, see: What follow-up do I need for an abnormal Pap test?
Abnormal Pap Test, SVCMC; New York NYSome new testing methods, such as AutoCyte-Screen (computer-automated review of Pap smears) and liquid-based collection, are being used in many areas of the United States. Liquid-based collection methods allow testing for HPV at the same time as a Pap test, but these methods are not available everywhere and may be more costly.
Related QuestionsWHAT IS A PAP TEST?
UVa Cancer Center Screening-Every Woman's Life Frequently As...The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a way to check cells from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb) and the vagina. This test can find precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix or vagina. A Pap test will only rarely detect cancer of the ovaries or cancer of the upper part of the uterus (endometrial cancer). It can also find some infections of the cervix and vagina.
Related QuestionsWhat do abnormal Pap test results mean?
PAP TestIt is scary to hear that your Pap test results are "abnormal." But abnormal Pap test results usually do NOT mean you have cancer. Most often there is a small problem with the cervix. Some abnormal cells will turn into cancer. But most of the time, these unhealthy cells will go away on their own. By treating these unhealthy cells, almost all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented. If you have abnormal results, to talk with your doctor about what they mean.
Related QuestionsMy Pap test was "abnormal," what happens now?
PAP TestThere are many reasons for "abnormal" Pap test results. If results of the Pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, your doctor will probably repeat the Pap test. If the test finds more serious changes in the cells of the cervix, the doctor will suggest more powerful tests. Results of these tests will help your doctor decide on the best treatment.
Related QuestionsIf I have an abnormal Pap, what may be done to evaluate my cervix?
Association of Reproductive Health ProfessionalsThere are four options for evaluating an abnormal Pap. The option chosen will depend upon how abnormal the Pap is, and partly upon clinician—and sometimes, patient—preference. The four options are: Repeating the Pap: Women with a single mildly abnormal Pap (ASCUS, LSIL) are often managed by repeating the Pap 3 or 4 times at 4 to 6 month intervals.
Related QuestionsHow is a Pap test done?
FAQ's - NCCC National Cervical Cancer CoalitionA Pap test is simple, quick, and painless; it can be done in a doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital. While a woman lies on an exam table, the clinician inserts a speculum into her vagina to widen it. A sample of cells is taken from the cervix with a wooden scraper and/or a small cervical brush. The specimen (or smear) is placed on a glass slide and preserved with a fixative, or is rinsed in a vial of fixative, and is sent to a laboratory for examination.
Related QuestionsHow often should I get a Pap test?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital WartsBegin getting Pap tests every one to three years if you have been sexually active or are older than age 21. Talk to your doctor about when and how often to get a Pap test. If you are older than 65 years and have had normal Pap tests and are not at risk for cervical cancer, you may be able to stop getting Pap tests. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what is best for you.
Related QuestionsWhat is a PSA blood test? PAP?
Prostate Cancer FAQThe PSA blood test is an important tool in helping to detect prostate cancer, especially when it is done along with a digital rectal examination (DRE). Often, the doctor will order blood tests to measure a substance called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). The level of PSA in the blood may rise in men who have prostate cancer or benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Related QuestionsbottomA Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It detects any problems in the cervix that can lead to cancer.Related Questions
