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What does abnormal Pap smear mean?
What Does It Mean if a Pap Smear Is Abnormal? Healthy cervical cells are thin and flat. If your Pap test is abnormal, this means that your sample contained abnormally shaped cervical cells. Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous.
How do I read my Pap smear results?
A Pap test result can be normal, unclear, or abnormal.
- Normal. A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix.
- Unclear (ASC-US) It is common for test results to come back unclear.
- Abnormal. An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix.
- Negative.
- Positive.
What happens 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.
How do I know if my Pap smear is normal?
A normal Pap smear shows healthy squamous cells (flat cells that look like fish scales) from the surface of the cervix. There are no signs of infection and no abnormal cells. Even if your Pap results are healthy, you should be tested regularly.
Can PAP break virginity?
Vaginal Exam and the Hymen Your doctor will explain what will happen during your exam. It’s not a comfortable exam, but if it’s done gently, with a small speculum (which is inserted into the vagina to open it for the pap smear), then it won’t tear your hymen.
How painful is a Pap smear?
Pap smears shouldn’t hurt. If you’re getting your first Pap, it may feel a little uncomfortable because it’s a new sensation that your body isn’t yet used to. People often say it feels like a small pinch, but everyone has a different threshold for pain.
Who invented Papanicolaou?
George Nicholas Papanicolaou was a pioneer in elucidating the physiology and cytologic characteristics of the female reproductive system. He is best known for creating the Papanicolaou test, commonly known as the Pap smear, which revolutionised the early detection of cervical cancer.
What does a Pap smear consist of?
A procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.
Can abnormal Pap smear go away?
They usually go away on their own and do not require treatment. CIN 2 changes are moderate and are typically treated by removing the abnormal cells. However, CIN 2 can sometimes go away on its own. Some women, after consulting with their health care provider, may decide to have a colposcopy with biopsy every 6 months.