Cause of Abnormal Pap Smear

There exist many factors able to be the cause of abnormal Pap smear. The reasons of abnormal changes in the cervical cellular tissues may be precancerous diseases, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal use of medication, sexual intercourse and others. In order to clarify the causes of abnormalities women having abnormal Pap test need to undergo a close follow-up examination.

A severe disease can not be diagnosed from just one abnormal result of Pap smear. Doctors may use various testing methods to identify the cause of abnormal Pap smear. It is possible that they resort to observation of the cervix with a lighted device called colposcope, histological analysis of tissue removed from the cervical surface, testing for sexually transmitted infections. What diagnostic test should be performed in each case can be defined only be a specialist. Sometimes only regular Pap smears with intervals of 4-5 months are prescribed, and other additional testing is needed.

The cause of abnormal Pap smear can not be always clearly identified. It can happen if the collected cells show some changes, but no obviously pathological cell transformations are observed. The pathologist diagnoses in this case the condition called atypical cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Sometimes this result occurs in women who have not observed some rules before Pap smear test, in particular, avoiding vaginal use of tampons or medications, sexual intercourse, vaginal douching and some others. At the same time, ASCUS may be the first sign of dysplasia of the cervix or other cervical conditions.

The development of cervical infection induced by a virus or bacteria is a common cause of abnormal Pap smear. Infectious diseases of the cervix can be accompanied by discomfort in the genitalia, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharges, condylomas and other signs. Certain infections develop without signs; however, they can initiate severe conditions. For example, HPV infection may not cause any visible symptoms, but it can be responsible for diseases like severe cervical dysplasia or invasive cancer of the cervix.

The efficacy rate of treatment is much higher when the cause of abnormal Pap smear is detected early. Premalignant and malignant conditions are generally treated by surgical procedures. Mild cervical conditions usually require an out-patient treatment. It is clear that it is easier to prevent the problem than to treat it. Every woman needs to know about a potential cause of abnormal Pap smear, lead a healthy lifestyle and regularly have medical examinations.