Covenant Family Practice - Abnormal PAP Smear

Home

Abnormal PAP Smear

Written by Robert A Wilson

Sunday, 11 February 2007

Article Index
Abnormal PAP Smear
What your doctor can do
What you can do

Page 1 of 3

The Pap smear is a test used to detect abnormal changes in the cervix, the lower end of the uterus, or womb. It is the main test used for early detection of cervical cancer, a treatable cancer when caught early enough. Abnormal test results do not mean that cancer is present, but rather that more tests need to be performed. An abnormal Pap may be the result of problems such as vaginal infections or sexually transmitted disease (STD). Infections may be caused by a simple overgrowth of germs naturally found in the vaginal area or an STD such as genital herpes, warts, chlamydia or gonorrhea. STDs are spread between partners during sexual activity. The Pap test may also show pre-cancerous cells that, if untreated, might lead to cancer and particularly, cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can affect women of all ages, but is most common between ages 40 and 55. There is evidence that suggests a relationship to certain viral infections, including the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes genital warts. Risk of cervical cancer increases with a family history of cervical cancer, a history of genital warts, recurrent vaginal infections, smoking, early childbearing, early age of first intercourse, and multiple sexual partners.

The Pap test is a simple procedure that, performed routinely, may save your life. During a Pap test, your doctor will view the cervix through the vagina using an instrument called a speculum to hold the vagina open. Then, a few cells are taken from the cervix, smeared on a slide and viewed under a microscope. If all of the cells appear normal, the test is said to be negative, or normal. The Pap results are considered positive if any abnormal cells are seen. Abnormal (positive) results are categorized according to the type of changes seen in the cells and the number of cells affected. There are several methods used for categorizing abnormal changes.

Symptoms may include:

For a vaginal infection:
Vaginal discharge, odor, itching or irritation
There may be no symptoms at all
In cervical cancer:
Often absent in early stages
Vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pain or bleeding during or following sexual intercourse
Late symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Prev - Next >>

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Newsflash

IDD Therapy Protocol designed by North American Medical Corp. IDD Therapy is an innovative approach for the relief of lower back syndromes, including: