1. A Simple Exam Isn't Enough
A gynecological exam alone is not enough to detect cervical cancer or precancerous cells. The cervix, which is the lower, narrower end of the uterus, is where your doctor collects cells for a Pap smear. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable of women's cancers. For this reason, most professionals recommend that every woman have her first Pap smear within three years after her first sexual experience, or by the age of 21, and then annually until the age of 30. After the age of 30, your physician may suggest that you have a test done every three years, if you've had three consecutive tests that were negative.
2. Off to the Lab
Once your physician has finished with his examination and Pap smear, he'll send the specimens to the lab for evaluation. The results are usually available within a few weeks, and a negative result means that they detected no abnormal cells. A positive Pap smear means that the lab detected abnormal cells, but doesn't necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. Your doctor may suggest that you have another Pap test to confirm the results before scheduling you for a colposcopy, which is a means of examining the cervix, vagina and vulva. During the procedure, your physician may obtain tissue samples from areas that appear suspicious for further microscopic evaluation.
3. Atypical Cells aren't Necessarily Cancerous
A result of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) will require further testing to see if a high-risk virus, such as certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is present. Squamous cells on a healthy cervix, in the presence of a high-risk virus will require further testing, but aren't as much of a concern if no virus is present.
4. Low and High Grade Changes
The term squamous intraepithelial lesion indicates that the cells from your Pap smear may possibly be precancerous. Low-grade changes suggest that the cells are characteristic of a precancerous lesion, but they may be years away from becoming cancerous. However, if the cells changes are high-grade, chances are greater that cancer will develop much sooner, and you'll require additional diagnostic testing. Further testing is also necessary if your test indicates atypical glandular cells. These cells may appear abnormal, but may not be cancerous. A Pap smear that returns with squamous cancer or adenocarcinoma cells requires prompt evaluation by your physician.
5. False Negative Versus False Positive
Infrequently, you may receive a false positive or false negative result from your Pap smear. False positive is when your test shows that you have abnormal cells, when they are actually normal. This result may cause you some temporary anxiety, but no real harm. A false negative result shows normal cells, but misses the abnormal ones, which causes a delay in the discovery and treatment of unhealthy cervical cells. However, since cervical cancer grows slowly, the fact that you have a yearly exam increases your chances of finding abnormal cells missed in a prior test.
