Abnormal Pap Smear Specialist

Why was my Pap smear abnormal?

Your OB/GYN recommends regular Pap smears because this simple test identifies precancerous and cancerous changes in your cervix, so they can be caught and treated early. 

If your Pap smear results are abnormal, you may have changes in your cervical cells that were caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), including:

• Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)  
• Squamous intraepithelial lesion
• Atypical glandular cells
• Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells

Having abnormal cells on your cervix doesn’t mean you have cancer. However, your doctor may test for HPV and conduct other tests to determine why you have these changes.

What tests do I get after an abnormal Pap smear?

Your OB/GYN performs most follow-up tests for abnormal Pap smears at the Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. offices.

Depending on what type of abnormal cells you have, you may undergo:

Colposcopy

A colposcope is a special instrument that looks like binoculars. Your doctor uses the colposcope to look more closely at your cervix, uterus, vagina, and vulva. They then brush your cervix with a special solution that makes abnormal cells easier to see and may take a biopsy.

Endocervical curettage 

Your doctor uses a special instrument called a curette to scrape the part of your cervix that’s closest to your uterus. This biopsy is then sent to the lab to learn more about the abnormal cells.

Cone biopsy

Your OB/GYN removes a cone-shaped tissue from an area of your cervix that’s most likely to develop cancer. Cone biopsies aren’t just diagnostic; they can also be a treatment for cervical cancer.  

Are the tests painful?

Colposcopy and endocervical curettage are performed while you lie on the examination table with your feet in the stirrups, as you would for a Pap smear. You may have some cramping afterward, but pain and discomfort should be minimal.

If your doctor uses the loop electrosurgical procedure (LEEP) method for your cone biopsy, they’ll first numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. 

The LEEP method is performed at the Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. offices. A cold-knife cone biopsy is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia or epidural.

What happens if I have cervical cancer?

If the tests reveal that you have cervical cancer, your OB/GYN refers you to an oncologist for further treatment. 

If they don’t find cancerous changes, your OB/GYN designs a follow-up plan for you based on the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines. 

To find out more about abnormal Pap smear results, call Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. today, or request an appointment online.