What it looks for is cell changes in the cervix which may be an indication of pre-cancerous cell growth.
For Pap smears, there is a rating system for the cells. The first level of abnormality is called just that–abnormal cells. I don’t remember all the tiers, but it moves through pre-cancerous cells and all the way to cancerous cells.
It’s a way to determine whether or not the cells in your reproductive organs are normal, and to catch any abnormality and treat it before it becomes a problem.
Since the test only looks at the cells (as in a microscopic exam of the cells on the slide), cell abnormality is the only thing a Pap looks for.
An abnormal Pap means they found some strange cells. I have had an abnormal Pap before. Usually, the doctor has you wait 4-6 weeks, and then does another Pap. If the second one is also abnormal, they will do further testing of a different kind. If it is normal, they will usually wait 6 months, and then redo the test again, just to make sure everything is fine. If that test is normal, then you usually resume your normal schedule of Pap tests.
If you’ve had an abnormal one, you need to speak to the doctor and find out what he or she wants you to do. As I said, the first step is to redo the test after a short period of time, so you need to talk to them about scheduling that.
It’s important to not worry too much with a first abnormal Pap. What most people don’t realize is we all have abnormal and cancerous cells all over our bodies at all times. Normally, our immune system handles those, and takes care of them so nothing bad can grow. That’s why they wait a bit for the repeat Pap. They want to make sure your body handles the destruction of the bad cells. If it does not, then they intervene to keep things from getting out of hand.
A Pap smear is looking for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, which can indicate cancer. Your doctor should have explained your results and what further testing or treatment should be necessary, upon telling you the results; I’m surprised that you need to ask this here.
You’ve already gotten answers on what a pap smear is, but it’s important to know that just because your doctor says you have an abnormal pap smear does NOT mean you have cancer! It’s just an indicator that the doctor should do further tests. Didn’t want you to be panicked if you had gotten that news and were waiting to find out what it meant.
The website above has some information on different types of things that can show up as "abnormal" on a pap smear, what they might mean, and what kind of followup tests a doctor might want to do.
The first 2 answers are correct. PAPs are to determine abnormal cells. As for infertility, that is a different test entirely. However, if it does turn out that you have Cervical Cancer (which is caused by HPV) you may have issues with fertility. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference between HPV and actually having Cervical Cancer, kind-of-like (this is an EXTREME example) HIV leads to AIDS, but just because you have HIV does not mean you will get AIDS. In most cases HPV goes away on its own, but not always.
A pap smear provides no information with regard to fertility.
A Pap smear looks for changes in cells caused by the presence of HPV. Changes are apparent well before it is cervical cancer. The early changes are called dysplasia. (dis PLAYZ see a) . The onset of cervical cancer can be avoided or delayed by removing these cells.
An abnormal pap smear means than some abnormal cells were seen. Not a reason to panic, does not mean you have cervical cancer. Does however, REQUIRE follow-up with your doctor.
No. A pap smear cannot do anything to diagnose infertility. It is only used to check for abnormal cells on the cervix. The presence of abnormal cells CAN mean cervical cancer.
However having abnormal cells or a positive pap smear does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. More tests would be required to confirm the cancer diagnosis. Its recommended every woman have a pap smear each year, possibly more often if you have had HPV or are at risk for it. Women who have been exposed to, or have HPV have a much higher chance of getting cervical cancer.
No, a Pap doesn’t look for infertility.
What it looks for is cell changes in the cervix which may be an indication of pre-cancerous cell growth.
For Pap smears, there is a rating system for the cells. The first level of abnormality is called just that–abnormal cells. I don’t remember all the tiers, but it moves through pre-cancerous cells and all the way to cancerous cells.
It’s a way to determine whether or not the cells in your reproductive organs are normal, and to catch any abnormality and treat it before it becomes a problem.
Since the test only looks at the cells (as in a microscopic exam of the cells on the slide), cell abnormality is the only thing a Pap looks for.
An abnormal Pap means they found some strange cells. I have had an abnormal Pap before. Usually, the doctor has you wait 4-6 weeks, and then does another Pap. If the second one is also abnormal, they will do further testing of a different kind. If it is normal, they will usually wait 6 months, and then redo the test again, just to make sure everything is fine. If that test is normal, then you usually resume your normal schedule of Pap tests.
If you’ve had an abnormal one, you need to speak to the doctor and find out what he or she wants you to do. As I said, the first step is to redo the test after a short period of time, so you need to talk to them about scheduling that.
It’s important to not worry too much with a first abnormal Pap. What most people don’t realize is we all have abnormal and cancerous cells all over our bodies at all times. Normally, our immune system handles those, and takes care of them so nothing bad can grow. That’s why they wait a bit for the repeat Pap. They want to make sure your body handles the destruction of the bad cells. If it does not, then they intervene to keep things from getting out of hand.
I hope that helps.
A Pap smear is looking for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, which can indicate cancer. Your doctor should have explained your results and what further testing or treatment should be necessary, upon telling you the results; I’m surprised that you need to ask this here.
Pap smear is a test for an STD known as Human Papilloma Virus. It’s a virus that is known to cause cervical cancer.
You’ve already gotten answers on what a pap smear is, but it’s important to know that just because your doctor says you have an abnormal pap smear does NOT mean you have cancer! It’s just an indicator that the doctor should do further tests. Didn’t want you to be panicked if you had gotten that news and were waiting to find out what it meant.
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/gynecologic/223.html
The website above has some information on different types of things that can show up as "abnormal" on a pap smear, what they might mean, and what kind of followup tests a doctor might want to do.
The first 2 answers are correct. PAPs are to determine abnormal cells. As for infertility, that is a different test entirely. However, if it does turn out that you have Cervical Cancer (which is caused by HPV) you may have issues with fertility. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference between HPV and actually having Cervical Cancer, kind-of-like (this is an EXTREME example) HIV leads to AIDS, but just because you have HIV does not mean you will get AIDS. In most cases HPV goes away on its own, but not always.
A pap smear provides no information with regard to fertility.
A Pap smear looks for changes in cells caused by the presence of HPV. Changes are apparent well before it is cervical cancer. The early changes are called dysplasia. (dis PLAYZ see a) . The onset of cervical cancer can be avoided or delayed by removing these cells.
An abnormal pap smear means than some abnormal cells were seen. Not a reason to panic, does not mean you have cervical cancer. Does however, REQUIRE follow-up with your doctor.
No. A pap smear cannot do anything to diagnose infertility. It is only used to check for abnormal cells on the cervix. The presence of abnormal cells CAN mean cervical cancer.
However having abnormal cells or a positive pap smear does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. More tests would be required to confirm the cancer diagnosis. Its recommended every woman have a pap smear each year, possibly more often if you have had HPV or are at risk for it. Women who have been exposed to, or have HPV have a much higher chance of getting cervical cancer.