What is a Pap Smear?
A pap smear is a medical test to see if a woman has developed pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on her cervix. When you are able to detect cervical cancer early from abnormal cells with a pap smear, you have a better chance at curing it. Additionally, a pap smear is able to detect any changes in your cervical cells which show a predisposition to developing cancer.
Besides checking cells for cervical cancer, a pap smear can also check for infections or inflammation. This test is conducted during a pelvic exam and can be combined with tests for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This medical procedure is done at your gynecologist’s office and may cause slight discomfort, but there is no long-term pain associated with it.
What Is The Difference Between A Pap Smear And A Well Woman’s Visit?
In a well-woman exam, the provider will review your medical history, surgical history, medications, and allergies. They will also conduct a physical exam which will include a bimanual exam (checking the size of the uterus and ovaries). We perform a pap smear during the physical exam if it is warranted.
When Should A Woman Get Her First Pap Smear?
A woman will start getting pap smears at the age of 21. The age of first sexual intercourse experience does not matter. From ages 21 to 29, the screening should be performed every 3 years if normal. From age 30 to 65, screening is every 5 years with HPV contesting or every 3 years with a Pap smear alone, if normal. This interval may change based on personal history.
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Had an appointment with Dr. Richey today and she was great! She took the time to listen my issues and go over a few possible options for me. Best gyno I have been to!
CWC is by far the best OB/GYN office I’ve been to! From the office staff to my OB, Dr. Richey who is the best! I appreciate how everyone is so friendly and Dr. Richey is so down to earth and is easy to talk to and ask questions. It’s been so great having them throughout my pregnancy and for my gyno needs.
How Is A Pap Test Done?
For the pap test, a gynecologist will insert a lubricated speculum into the vagina and will visualize the cervix. With a broom, we collect cells using a circular motion around the cervical opening. This takes only a few seconds. After we collect the specimen, the speculum is closed and taken out of the vagina. Then, the collected cells are sent to a laboratory to further analyze for any abnormal cells.
Pap Smear Side Effects
Usually, there are no side effects to a pap smear. If any, there may spotting and mild cramping after the pap smear.
How To Prepare For Your Pap Smear
In preparation for the test, patients should relax as much as possible. Usually, patients experience no pain with a pap smear.
Pap Smear Results
Pap smear results may take up to 2 weeks to complete. Once the results are sent to the office, a provider will review the results and they will be reported to the patient.
What Does An Abnormal Pap Test Indicate?
If your Pap test results come back abnormal, this simply means we’ve found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It does not mean you have cervical cancer. Most abnormal results denote cell changes caused by the HPV virus. An abnormal Pap test does require follow-up depending on the results and your provider will tailor that follow up based on your personal medical history.
How Serious Is An Abnormal Pap Test?
As mentioned above, there can be various reasons for an abnormal Pap test. In fact, less than 1 percent of abnormal results end in a cervical cancer diagnosis. But abnormal results dictate more attention, just to be safe.
How Common Is An Abnormal Pap Test?
An abnormal Pap test is not unusual. In the U.S., over 50 million pap tests are performed each year to screen for cervical cancer. About 5 percent of those Pap tests will come back abnormal with atypical cervical cells. The vast majority of abnormal tests don’t indicate cancer. Of the 3 million U.S. women with abnormal Pap tests each year, less than 1 percent (13,240 cases) will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Types Of Abnormal Pap Test Results
A variety of abnormal pap test results can occur from ASC-H to ASC-US. The most common abnormal results in pap tests are:
- Normal Pap but, HPV Positive: There are no cellular changes on the cervix, but the patient has been exposed to the HPV virus.
- ASC-US: These cells don’t appear completely normal, but doctors are uncertain about what the cell changes mean. The changes may be related to an HPV infection but they can be caused by other factors.
- ASC-H: These cells don’t appear completely normal and these lesions may be at higher risk of having cancer. The meaning of the cellular changes is unknown. At times a biopsy is necessary.
- Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL): Mild abnormalities caused by the HPV virus. These are early changes in size and shape of the cells. Typically, we perform a biopsy to look at the cells more closely.
- High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL): More severe abnormalities caused by the HPV virus that may progress into cancer if untreated. When examined under a microscope, the cells are further classified into CIN-2, CIN-2/3, or CIN-3 based on severity.
Schedule An Appointment
If you would like to learn more about Pap Smears or would like to schedule a test, call (614) 755-4200 for more information. Columbus Women’s Care serves Columbus. OH and surrounding areas.