Pap smears are commonly done during gynecological exams. This test involves the gynecologist using a swab to get a sample of some of the cells which are on the surface of the cervix. These cells can then be examined to see if they are abnormal. The presence of abnormal cells could indicate that the patient has an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
Purpose
Pap smears are performed as part of a routine gynecological exam in order to help detect cellular changes that could indicate cancer, the National Cancer Institute explains. Examination of the cells on the cervix can help identify cellular abnormalities that indicate that there are cancerous or pre-cancerous cells present on the cervix. This allows physicians the opportunity to catch cervical cancer early, which makes it much easier to treat successfully. It is recommended that women get a pap test every three years once they turn 21.
Abnormal Results
Abnormal results on a pap smear can come in a variety of forms, Family Doctor explains. The most serious result is the identification of squamous cancer cells, which indicates that the patient already has cervical cancer. Women who are diagnosed with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion likely have a precancerous condition known as cervical dysplasia and may need further treatment. Less serious results include the identification of a low-grade lesion, or the presence of atypical glandular or squamous cells, which merely means that the patient has some abnormal cells on the smear. Abnormal pap smears can also be the result of vaginal inflammation or recent sexual activity.
Pap Smears and HPV
Often, abnormal cervical cells found on a pap smear are the result of an infection with the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, the National Cancer Institute explains, but only certain strains are thought to lead to cervical cancer. Thus, women who have abnormal pap smear results may need to get tested for an HPV infection. If the abnormal cells are being caused by a low-risk strain of HPV, their risk of getting cervical cancer is lower than if they have a high-risk strain.
Followup Tests
Women with abnormal pap smear results may call for some additional testing, notes the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One option is to have another pap smear test done a few months later. Women may also have an HPV test done to determine if their abnormal results were caused by a high-risk HPV strain. A colposcopy may also be done. This procedure involves the insertion of a magnifying device into the vagina in order to better examine the surface of the cervix. Sometimes the cervix will be coated with a vinegar solution which makes it easier to see any unusual growths.
Treatment
Women who have abnormal growths on thir cervix but who do not have cervical cancer may still need some treatment in order to remove the abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Loop electrosurgical excision uses a thin wire with an electric current to remove any abnormal growths, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains. A cone biopsy can be performed to remove a wedge-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and allow for additional testing of the cervical tissue. Finally, any unusual growths might be killed using cryotherapy or burned away with a laser.
