Abnormal Pap Smear

Women who get an abnormal Pap smear are often scared since they do not always understand well the results of this test. Actually, abnormal results may be due to different factors, not necessarily to cervical dysplasia or cancer. It may be required to perform some additional tests, like colposcopy and HPV testing, in order to determine the real cause of abnormalities on the cervix.  

Pap smear test includes taking a sample of cells from the cervix and fixing them on a glass slide. Generally, the health care provider prepares one specimen with cells from the cervical surface and one specimen with cells from the cervical canal. Then the doctor stains the cells by a special technique which helps to enhance the appearance of abnormalities. After that, the specimens are sent to the laboratory where they are analyzed for the signs of inflammation, cellular atypia or cancerous changes. An abnormal result of the test means that some of these problems have been detected during the examination.

There are a variety of factors which may be the reason for an abnormal Pap smear. Pap smear is an effective way for the early detection of cervix cancer. This test allows to reveal the presence of precancerous changes and cancerous lesions on the cervix, making it possible to begin the treatment early in order to prevent the progression of the disease. The incidence and mortality of cancer of the cervix have been significantly decreased thanks to the worldwide use of Pap smear.

An abnormal Pap smear may be diagnosed falsely. Sometimes, on the contrary, the present abnormal cells may go undetected. Before having Pap smear women should respect some recommendations. Pap smear should not be performed in period of menses and if an inflammation is present on the cervix. The woman should also refrain from vaginal use of medications or sexual intercourse for two days before Pap smear. Pap smear should not be performed earlier than two days after colposcopy or pelvic examination.  

Before the examination for abnormalities, the doctor evaluates the quality of the sample. When the quality of the sample is not satisfactory, it is necessary to repeat Pap smear. If there are no unusual changes in the collected cells, Pap smear is considered to be normal. An abnormal Pap smear result means the presence of cells with some kind of an abnormality.