Abnormal PAP Tests

What to Do If You Have an Abnormal PAP Test

Hearing that you have “abnormal” PAP test results can be an anxious time, but the doctors at AHA Women’s Health in Lincoln Park and Dearborn, MI are here to ease your mind, and help you understand what this means, and what to do next.

In this article the caring OBGYNs at AHA Women’s Health in Lincoln Park and Dearborn, MI explain what an abnormal Pap Test means – and what the next steps you need to take will be – to ensure a positive outcome.

What is a PAP Smear or PAP Test?

A PAP Test – sometimes called a PAP Smear – is a routine screening test for precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix (the entrance of the uterus, at the top of the vagina). It is part of the routine “pelvic exam” that women are encouraged to undergo every one to three years to maintain health and wellbeing.

Early detection of cervical precancerous cells with a PAP test is important because fast intervention can help prevent the development of cervical cancer. Or, in cases where cancerous cells have already been detected, early diagnosis and treatment gives a woman an excellent chance for a complete cure.

What is an “Abnormal” PAP Test?

If the results of your PAP test come back positive, it only means that your OBGYN found some abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It does NOT necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. In most cases, abnormal PAP test results are an indication that there have been some cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Changes to a woman’s cervical cells caused by HPV or other STDs can be mild, moderate, or severe. And, sometimes these changes can be linked to cervical cancer.

Our skilled OBGYNs will review your PAP test results and let you know what follow-up tests are needed if the results are abnormal or “positive” for unusual cells. The next step will then depend upon what type of abnormal cells were found in your cervix.

What is a Colposcopy?

In most cases, your OBGYN will recommend a “colposcopy” if your PAP test results are positive. A colposcopy is an in-office examination procedure that allows your OBGYN to look at the cervix and vagina with a special lighted magnifying device called a colposcope. The procedure only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If a patient has an abnormal Pap test, a colposcopy allows the doctor to “take a closer look” and find where the abnormal area of cells is located, so a biopsy (cell sample) can be taken.

During a colposcopy, the OBGYN inserts a speculum into the vagina, just like during a PAP test. Then they insert the very slender device (colposcope) that allows the doctor to see the cells through a lighted magnifying lens.

If the OBGYN sees any areas of cells that look abnormal, they will take a tiny sample of the tissue, called a biopsy, that will be sent to a lab for further testing.

What is a DYSIS Colposcopy?

AHA Women’s Health in Lincoln Park and Dearborn, MI offer the most advanced colposcopy technology called Dynamic Spectral Imaging (DYSIS). DYSIS uses digital (computerized) imaging and mapping for the most accurate examination and measurements.

You and your doctor will be able to see the results of the DYSIS colposcopy in “real time” in the form of a digital map on a computer screen. Our caring OBGYNs will discuss the results with you, and recommend the best next steps, depending upon what the DYSIS colposcope reveals.

DYSIS colposcope provides more accurate results – which vastly improves earlier detection of cervical cancer or other abnormalities. And earlier detection means the best chance of a complete recovery. You can learn more about advanced DYSIS Colposcopy HERE.

Does a Colposcopy hurt?

Like a pelvic exam, a colposcopy can feel a little “weird” or uncomfortable, but the colposcope examination is nearly pain-free. Patients typically feel pressure when the speculum goes in. The more you can relax, the easier and more comfortable the procedure will be.

If your doctor determines she needs to perform a biopsy (tissue sample) during your colposcopy, you might have some slight, short discomfort.

If no biopsy sample is taken during the colposcopy, patients typically won’t have any after-effects once the exam is complete. However, after a biopsy, patients may experience some spotting or very light bleeding, mild vaginal or vulvar pain, or an unusual discharge – but these side effects should only last one or two days.

Abnormal PAP Test OBGYNS | Lincoln Park & Dearborn, MI

Hearing that you have abnormal PAP test results can be an anxious time, but the caring women’s health professionals at AHA are here to put your mind at ease – and be by your side every step of the way.

Scheduling an appointment for a colposcopy as soon as possible can ensure that you receive the fastest diagnosis and the best treatment for your condition so that you make a full recovery – while delaying further examination can allow medical conditions to advance.

Remember having an abnormal PAP test result does NOT mean you have cancer. In fact, the chances that you have cancer are very small! You may also have HPV, a different STD, or another medical condition. But whatever the reason for your abnormal PAP test, early diagnosis treatment by the caring OBGYNs at AHA women’s health will ensure that you recover as quickly and fully as possible.

Abnormal PAP Test OBGYNS | Lincoln Park & Dearborn: 313.388.4247