What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a routine cervical cancer screening tool. Dr. Ahmed collects a sample of cervical cells during your pelvic exam and sends them to a lab for testing.
Women should start getting Pap smears when they become sexually active, with repeated screenings every year or as directed by Dr. Ahmed. Regular routine Pap smears help find abnormal cervical cells early, which may improve your chances of preventing or curing cervical cancer.
What does an abnormal Pap smear mean?
An abnormal Pap smear doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. However, it does mean abnormal cervical cells were found. Types of cell abnormalities include:
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)
ASCUS means your cervical cells are slightly abnormal and may indicate you have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This is the most common cause of an abnormal Pap smear.
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)
LSIL means your cervical cells are mildly abnormal and likely caused by an HPV infection that will resolve on its own.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)
HSIL suggests you may have precancerous or cancerous cell changes.
Atypical squamous cells
Atypical squamous cells mean abnormal cells were found and may indicate HSIL.
Atypical glandular cells
Glandular cells are another type of cell found in your cervix and uterus. Atypical glandular cells may be signs of precancerous or cancerous cells.
What testing is needed after an abnormal Pap smear?
If you have an abnormal Pap smear, Dr. Ahmed may request additional testing to provide more information about what your test means. He may recommend a second Pap smear or an HPV test.
Dr. Ahmed may also recommend a colposcopy, which is an in-office exam that uses a magnifying device to evaluate your cervical tissue. If abnormalities are found, Dr. Ahmed takes a biopsy of the tissue for additional testing.
How are abnormal cervical cells treated?
If your tests indicate abnormal cervical cells, Dr. Ahmed performs a cryotherapy procedure if those abnormal cells from the colposcopy are present. During the procedure, Dr. Ahmed uses an instrument to freeze the abnormal tissue, which your body then sheds.
An abnormal Pap smear is alarming, but also life-saving. For expert care after an abnormal Pap smear, contact Hany H Ahmed, MD by phone or book an appointment online today.
