As a woman you are advised to get a pap smear done once you are at the age of 21 years or 3 years when you go on to become sexually active. Abnormal pap pregnant is common and Pap test is not a diagnostic test, but they work out to be screening tools where any form of abnormal cells in the cervix is found. If woman are getting Pap smear done on a regular basis, they do go on to increases the chances of early detection and treatment of the problems.
What would an abnormal pap smear point to?
The feeling of worry or being alarmed is normal when you are told that Pap smear is abnormal. When it is an abnormal pap it does point to the fact that you are having infection. Pap smear can detect pregnancy and in no way it points to the fact that you are having cancer. What it does mean is that further round of testing would be necessary in order to get to the root of the problem. Normally an abnormal pap smear is caused by some form of infection, inflammation but the main cause of it happens to be HPV.
The treatment
When it is a positive result it does point to the presence of abnormal cells also referred to as abnormal pap. Just be aware of the fact that it is a test and not diagnosis in any way. Though it may indicate another pap smear may be needed. A colposcopy or biopsy could also be suggested. In the former with the aid of a microscope you look into the cervix whereas in the latter a smaller portion of tissue is taken and then send across to the lab for further studies. The doctor is going to discuss the results with you.
10 out 100 indicate some form of abnormal function, but most often than not they are not serious. With further round of testing it could be proved whether you have an infection or presence of HPV. One of the main reasons for cervical cancer is HPV but women who go on to receive treatment for HPV are not known to develop cervical cancer in any way.
In the year 2003, the FDA went on to approve a test that could be done along with a pap smear in order to figure out whether you have an HPV virus. It can go on to detect high risk types of HPV before any form of abnormal cells are being detected by the cervix. This form of screening is a must for ladies who are above the age of 30 years as the chances of pre cancer cells turning to cancer are all the more.
In case of Pap smear tests the results cannot be trusted because of unsatisfactory sample. This could be due to the use of vaginal creams or douches or a recent history of sexual activity. Whatever may be the reason, a pap smear is to be followed by another round of Pap test.
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