Pap tests are performed on female patients by doctors in order to check for abnormal cell changes on the cervix.These cell changes can lead to cancer.Negative or normal results mean that no abnormal cells are present and no follow-up is needed until your next exam.Positive or abnormal results indicate a potential problem.
Step 1: Stay calm, stay calm.
Many women become very anxious when they discover that their Pap tests are abnormal, but there is no reason to panic.In most cases, abnormal test results are not indicative of cancer.You will have to follow up with your doctor in order to find out why the Pap smear showed suspicious cell changes on your cervix.
Step 2: Do you know about the human immunodeficiency virus?
Human papillomaviruses are the cause of most abnormal Pap smear results.It is so common that most sexually active people will contract it at some point.Some types of the human immunodeficiency virus are known to have the potential to cause cancer.Many people who have the virus will clear it on their own.If you have the human immunodeficiency virus, it doesn't mean you will get the cancer.
Step 3: Consider the other possible causes.
If you are taking birth control pills, you may be able to get false-positive Pap smear results.Some women have cell changes that are not caused by the human immunodeficiency virus.Hormonal imbalances, yeast infections, as well as having vaginal sex or using vaginal creams within 48 hours of your Pap smear can cause abnormal results.
Step 4: cipher your results
There are many different types of Pap smear results, some of which are more concerning than others.Depending on the results of the Pap smear, the next step will be decided.Atypical squamous cells are cells that appear slightly abnormal but are not necessarily cancer or precancerous.There is a scythe that may be precancerous.The results are graded from the least to the most severe.The cells that produce mucus in your uterus and cervix are called atypical glandular cells.There is a possibility that cancer is present in the vagina.This, along with adenocarcinoma, is one of the most potentially serious Pap smear results.There is a possibility that cancer is present in glandular cells.One of the most serious Pap test results is this.If this is a sign of uterus cancer, you may also be tested for this using a endometrial biopsy.
Step 5: You should make a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Your doctor will want to schedule a follow-up appointment when you get your results.Don't delay this appointment.The appointment should be made within the next couple of weeks.Some women don't make follow-up appointments because they are so upset with their test results.Abnormal Pap test results can be frightening, but don't give up on thinking about them.Even if you don't have cancer, starting treatment as early as possible is crucial.You may be referred to a gynecologist for your follow-up appointment if you had your Pap smear done by a general doctor.
Step 6: Discuss your results with your doctor.
Ask your doctor to explain your results in more detail when you go to your follow-up appointment.What further testing is he or she suggesting?Bring a spouse, partner, or trusted friend with you to this appointment.It can be hard to remember everything your doctor tells you when you're worried or upset.If you have someone else with you, the emotional support will calm you down so that you can be a more attentive listener, and the other person can also listen carefully to the doctor and remind you later about details you may have missed.
Step 7: You should get a test.
If you haven't already had this test, it may help your doctor better understand the cause of your Pap smear results and help him or her decide how to proceed with your treatment.
Step 8: Think about watching and waiting.
Your doctor may suggest waiting and retesting for some abnormal test results.Abnormal cells go away on their own, so you may not need any treatment at all.Your body may be able to clear the virus on its own if you had an abnormal Pap smear.
Step 9: Discuss the causes of menstruation.
Your doctor may write you a prescription to correct your hormones if he or she suspects that you have a hormonal cause.
Step 10: Ask about a procedure.
A colposcopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses a magnifying device to examine your cervix more closely.If your doctor sees any areas that may be problematic, he or she can take a biopsies for further testing.Mention it to your doctor if you are pregnant.You may have bleeding after the procedure, but the risk is small.Don't put anything in your vagina for at least 24 hours before a scheduled colposcopy.
Step 11: Find out if treatment is necessary.
Doctors will often recommend that you continue getting Pap smears in order to keep an eye on your condition.You may need to do more testing.Your doctor can't tell you what is wrong from a screening test alone, so keep that in mind.If you want to find out what's going on, you'll need to have the colposcopy and biopsies.
Step 12: The right treatment is for you.
There are a number of treatment options if your doctor recommends it.You will likely be given medication to numb your cervix and keep you comfortable, even though these procedures may sound frightening and painful.TheLEEP is a procedure in which your doctor cuts out abnormal tissue with a small wire.It only takes a few minutes for this procedure to be performed at your doctor's office.The most common treatment is this.Cryotherapy uses a cold probe to freeze the abnormal cells.This procedure can be done quickly and does not require anesthesia.A doctor uses a scalpel to remove abnormal cells during cold knife conization.General anesthesia is required for this procedure, so you will have to go to the hospital.Your doctor can use a laser to remove abnormal cells.It is done at a hospital using general anesthesia.
Step 13: Get a second opinion.
If you believe that your doctor isn't listening to your concerns or treating you effectively, or if you have questions about what your results mean, you should see another doctor.Medical professionals should understand and respect a patient's wish to seek a second opinion.
Step 14: You can find a specialist.
If your doctor thinks you have cancer, he or she will refer you to a specialist.That person can help you find the best treatment for your case.
Step 15: Continue to have regular Pap smears.
If you didn't have treatment after your first abnormal Pap mammogram, you should still get regular Pap smears as often as your doctor recommends.After having many normal tests in a row, the Frequency will likely decrease.