pap test

The Pap test is a screening test for cancer. It should be performed every yer on most women, beginning at age 18 or when a woman becomes sexually active (whichever is first). There is no age at which a Pap smear is no longer necessary. Pap testing should also be performed on women who have had a hysterectomy. Dr. Evans will let you know if you should have a Pap test either more often or less often that once each year. The primary purpose of doing a Pap test is to detect pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix and/or vagina so that proper treatment will prevent progression to cancer. The Pap test can sometimes detect certain bacterial or viral infections of the cervix. If you are concerned about exposure to infections, however, discuss this with Dr. Evans because it is more accurate to do specific testing for infections. During a Pap test, a speculum is inserted into the vagina and a small brush is used to gently obtain cells from the cervix of the vagina. The cells are sent to a lab to be examined by a pathologist for any evidence of abnormality. Results are usually available within 2-3 weeks. Pap test results Normal Pap should be repeated in one year Normal with inflammatory cell changes, benign cell changes, or obscurring blood Dr. Evans may suggest treatment with an antibiotic and/or a repeat Pap test in a few months. These findings indicate that the pathologist did not have a clear picture of the cells from the cervix because of the presence of blood or inflammatory cells. This does not mean that an abnormality was identified. Repeat Paps are perfomred to give the pathologist another sample to evaluate. ASCUS HPV (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance, Human Papilloma Virus Negative) The pathologist saw a very minor abnormality. Testing was therefore done for the presence of HPV, and was negative. The Pap test should be repeated in one year, or probably sooner; based upon individual history. ASCUS HPV + (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance, Human Papilloma Virus Positive) The pathologist saw a very minor abnormality. Testing was therefore done for the presence of HPV, and was positive. The presence of HPV causes an increased risk for development of cervical cancer, therefore a colposcopy with biopsies of the cervix will be recommended. LGSIL (Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion) Mildly abnormal cells have definitely been identified on your Pap test. Colposcopy with biopsy will be recommended to further evaluate the abnormal cells. Left untreated, this abnormality may progress to cancer. Testing for HPV is not routinely done because studies have shown that exposure to HPV virus has almost always occurred in this situation. HGSIL (High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion) Moderately to severely abnormal cells have definitely been identified on your Pap test. Colposcopy with biopsy will be recommended to further evaluate the abnormal cells. Left untreated, this abnormality will often progress to cancer. Testing for HPV is not routinely done because studies have shown that exposure to HPV virus has almost always occurred in this situation. CIS (Carcinoma in Situ) This is a true pre-cancerous condition of the cervix, and if left untreated, cancer will develop in all cases. Biopsy of the cervix in the operating room will be recommended. Biopsy in the operating room is sometimes curative, and at other times, hysterectomy may be required. Cervix Cancer Cone biopsy in the operating room will be recommended for evaluation of the extent of the cancer, and to help determine the best approach to treatment.