Abnormal Pap Smear

Best Abnormal Pap Smear Treatment & Diagnostics in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

Pap smear test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It is a painless procedure and requires a specialist. Abnormal pap smear does not only show cancer, there can also be several other diseases associated with it.

What is a pap smear?

Pap smear test is conducted if you have the following symptoms:

• Bleeding after or during sexual intercourse
• Extreme pain and discomfort during menstruation
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Irregular menstruation
• Pelvic pain

In some cases, the pap test is combined with other tests like HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted infection that can be an underlying condition for cervical cancer.

What are the risk factors?

A pap smear test is a safe procedure but it does not guarantee accurate results. Sometimes the test result can show a false negative report. Multiple reasons can be behind a false-negative report such as:

• Improper collection of samples
• Not taking a sufficient amount of cells

Cervical cancer takes a few years to develop. Proper screening will help in identifying the problem during its initial stages and reduce the risk factors.

How do you prepare for a pap smear test?

After scheduling the test, you must avoid doing the following activities at least 24-hours before the test for accurate results:

- Avoid intercourse 
- Do not use any vaginal medicines 
- Do not use tampons 
- Avoid any type of spermicidal foam or jellies
Do not schedule an appointment during menstruation.

What can you expect from a pap smear test?

A pap smear is used to screen cervical cancer. It is done along with a pelvic exam for women above the age of 30. The test does not take a long time and is usually performed at a doctor’s clinic.

During the procedure, the doctor will ask you to lie down on the examination table. The doctor will put a speculum in the vagina to expand the cervix and get a clear view of it. Then he/she takes a sample of the cervical cells using a spatula and brush.

The samples are observed under a microscope and checked for abnormal cells.

The results of the test are:

A positive result (abnormal result) - shows the presence of unusual cells.

The test results are classified as follows:

Low-grade Dysplasia and High-grade Dysplasia - unusual changes that can lead to cancer.

ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) - these changes can occur because of a lack of estrogen or an unknown inflammation. They also indicate a potential threat of cervix cancer.

Atypical Squamous Cells and Atypical Glandular Cells - abnormal changes in the cells that are inside the uterus and can develop into cancer.

A negative result (normal result) - this shows the absence of abnormal cells in the cervix and does not require further testing. 

Pap smear tests are not always accurate, therefore in certain situations your doctor might suggest additional tests.

When do you need to see a doctor?

You must visit a gynaecologist if you have any of the symptoms below:

• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain in the pelvic

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

A pap smear test is used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix and any possible cancer development. An abnormal pap smear indicates the presence of a disease.