A Pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the opening to the uterus, located at the top of the vagina. Pap smears are important because they can help catch cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable.
During a Pap smear, your doctor will use a small brush or spatula to collect cells from the cervix. These cells are then sent to a lab to be examined for abnormalities.
What is an abnormal Pap smear?
An abnormal Pap smear means that some of the cells on the cervix look different from normal cells. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
- HPV infection: HPV is a common virus that can cause warts and precancerous changes on the cervix.
- Inflammation: Inflammation of the cervix can be caused by a number of things, including infection, childbirth, and injury.
- Atypical cells: Atypical cells are cells that look different from normal cells, but they are not necessarily precancerous.
- Cancer: In rare cases, an abnormal Pap smear can be caused by cervical cancer.
What does high risk mean on a Pap smear?
A high-risk Pap smear means that the abnormal cells on the cervix have a higher chance of becoming cancer. High-risk Pap smears are typically caused by HPV infection.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the cervix more closely. During a colposcopy, your doctor will use a magnifying instrument called a colposcope to look at the cervix. The colposcope has a bright light that allows the doctor to see the cervix in more detail.
If your doctor sees any abnormal areas on the cervix, they may take a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix. The biopsy sample is then sent to a lab to be examined for cancer cells.
What to expect during a colposcopy
A colposcopy is usually performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
During a colposcopy, you will lie on your back on an examination table. Your doctor will place a speculum in your vagina to hold it open. They will then use the colposcope to examine your cervix.
If your doctor sees any abnormal areas on the cervix, they may take a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix. The biopsy sample is then sent to a lab to be examined for cancer cells.
A colposcopy is usually painless, but you may feel some mild discomfort during the biopsy. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
High Risk Pap Smear
What causes high-risk Pap smears?
High-risk Pap smears are typically caused by HPV infection. HPV is a common virus that can cause warts and precancerous changes on the cervix. There are over 100 types of HPV, but only a few of them are considered high risk for cervical cancer.
Types of high-risk Pap smear results
There are two main types of high-risk Pap smear results:
- HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): HSIL means that the abnormal cells on the cervix are more likely to become cancer.
- AIS (adenocarcinoma in situ): AIS means that the abnormal cells on the cervix are precancerous glandular cells. Glandular cells are the type of cells that line the cervix.
Risk factors for high-risk Pap smears
There are a number of risk factors for high-risk Pap smears, including:
- HPV infection
- Smoking
- Multiple sexual partners
- A weakened immune system
- A family history of cervical cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Early cervical cancer typically does not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Colposcopy
Why is a colposcopy done?
A colposcopy is done to examine the cervix more closely for abnormal cells. This may be done for a number of reasons, including:
- An abnormal Pap smear result
- Persistent HPV infection
- Visible changes on the cervix
- A history of cervical cancer
How to prepare for a colposcopy
There is no special preparation needed for a colposcopy. You may want to avoid wearing tampons or having sex for 24 hours before the procedure.
What happens during a colposcopy
A colposcopy is usually performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
During a colposcopy, you will lie on your back on an examination table. Your doctor will place a speculum in your vagina to hold it open. They will then use the colposcope to examine your cervix.
If your doctor sees any abnormal areas on the cervix, they may take a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the cervix. The biopsy sample is then sent to a lab to be examined for cancer cells.
A colposcopy is usually painless, but you may feel some mild discomfort during the biopsy. The procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Results of a colposcopy
The results of a colposcopy can be normal or abnormal.
- Normal results: If your colposcopy results are normal, it means that your doctor did not see any abnormal areas on the cervix. You will likely need to have regular Pap smears in the future.
- Abnormal results: If your colposcopy results are abnormal, it means that your doctor saw some abnormal areas on the cervix. This does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. However, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy.
Treatment options for high-risk Pap smears
The treatment options for high-risk Pap smears will depend on the results of your colposcopy and biopsy. If your biopsy results are normal, you may need to have more frequent Pap smears and colposcopies.
If your biopsy results are abnormal, you may need treatment to remove the abnormal cells. Treatment options include:
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): LEEP is a procedure that uses an electrical loop to remove abnormal cells from the cervix.
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses cold temperatures to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.
- Laser surgery: Laser surgery is a procedure that uses a laser to remove abnormal cells from the cervix.
Conclusion
An abnormal Pap smear can be a scary thing, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. If you have an abnormal Pap smear, your doctor will recommend the best course of action for you. This may include a colposcopy and/or biopsy to further examine the cervix.
If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, there are a number of treatment options available. The best treatment for you will depend on the stage of your cancer and other factors.
What to do if you have an abnormal Pap smear
If you have an abnormal Pap smear, it is important to see your doctor right away. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action for you. This may include a colposcopy and/or biopsy to further examine the cervix.
Importance of regular Pap smears
Pap smears are important because they can help catch cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable. Women should start having Pap smears at age 21 or three years after their first sexual encounter, whichever comes first. Pap smears should be repeated every three to five years, depending on your age and risk factors.
Support resources
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, there are a number of resources available to help you. You may want to talk to your doctor about support groups or counseling services. There are also a number of online resources available, such as the American Cancer Society website.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a Pap smear and a colposcopy?
A: A Pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix. A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows your doctor to examine the cervix more closely.
Q: What happens if my colposcopy results are abnormal?
A: If your colposcopy results are abnormal, your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment for you. This may include a biopsy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), or cryotherapy.
Q: How can I reduce my risk of getting cervical cancer?
A: The best way to reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer is to have regular Pap smears and HPV tests. You can also get the HPV vaccine, which can protect you from the most common strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
Q: What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancer typically does not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
