Should I worry about abnormal Pap smear?

Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it’s important to follow up to make sure.

When should I be worried about an abnormal Pap smear?

If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Are abnormal Pap smears common?

Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous. Abnormal Pap tests are very common. In fact, of the 3 million women with abnormal Pap tests each year, less than 1% (13,240 cases) will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

What is the most common reason for an abnormal Pap smear?

Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

What is the next step after an abnormal Pap smear?

“I Received an Abnormal Pap Test. What’s Next?” Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.

Should I be worried if I need a colposcopy?

Your doctor may recommend colposcopy if: You have had two abnormal Pap tests in a row that show atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cell changes. You have ASC-US cell changes and certain risk factors, such as a high-risk type of HPV infection or a weakened immune system.

Do doctors call you back after Pap smear results?

What happens after my abnormal Pap smear? After you get the call from your doctor’s office that you have an abnormal pap smear, you’ll come back into the office where you may have a repeat Pap test, or you’ll have a noninvasive procedure called a colposcopy.

Can stress cause abnormal Pap smear?

But she noted that many researchers speculate that stress may somehow be involved in cervical cancer because stressful times in women’s lives can often be associated with abnormal Pap smear results.

Can abnormal Pap smear go away?

Abnormal Pap Smears are typically caused by strains of the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV. An abnormal pap smear result does not mean you have cervical cancer. High risk strains can cause more serious cellular changes. Typically, both high and low risk strains of HPV go away within 24 months.

Should I worry about atypical squamous cells?

In most cases, the presence of abnormal squamous cells does not indicate the presence of cervical cancer. However, abnormal Pap results should always be discussed with a medical professional so that an individualized action plan can be created.

Can cyst cause abnormal Pap smear?

And certainly the pap smear would not be considered. At all a reliable way to detect ovarian cancer.

What are the five categories of Pap smear abnormalities?

What can cause an abnormal Pap smears besides HPV?

What happens if a colposcopy is abnormal?

Abnormal result

This is not cancer, but there’s a risk it could turn into cancer if untreated. Abnormal cells may be detected while a colposcopy is carried out, but a biopsy will be needed to determine what the risk of these becoming cancerous is and whether treatment is needed.

What are the chances of abnormal cells returning?

Why do cell changes (abnormal cells) come back? After treatment for cell changes: about 9 in 10 (90%) people will not have further problems. fewer than 2 in 10 (between 5% and 15%) people may have cell changes that come back.

What are the symptoms of abnormal cervical cells?