What abnormalities can be detected in a Pap smear?

One of the most common abnormal Pap smear causes is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV).
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?
  • Cervical Dysplasia. ...
  • Cervical Cancer. ...
  • Trichomoniasis and Other STDS. ...
  • Vaginal Infection. ...
  • Harmless Abnormal Pap Smear Causes.

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What are some abnormalities in a Pap smear?

In most cases, an abnormal Pap test is a result of:
  • A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
  • A sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), such as herpes or trichomoniasis.
  • A bacterial or yeast infection.
  • Inflammation in the pelvic area.
  • Normal cellular changes that occur with age.

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Can a Pap smear detect everything?

No. A Pap test can't reliably detect ovarian cancer. A Pap test is a procedure that involves collecting cells from your cervix and examining them under a microscope. A Pap test can detect cervical cancer and changes in your cervical cells that may increase your risk of cervical cancer in the future.

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What is the most common abnormal Pap result?

ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap test result. ASC-US stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells that make up the tissue that covers the cervix. LSIL—This means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal.

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Should I be worried about an abnormal pap?

Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about

Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it's important to follow up to make sure.

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Pap Smear Results | Explained by an OBGYN

18 related questions found

What is the next step if Pap smear is abnormal?

“I Received an Abnormal Pap Test. What's Next?” Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.

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What could be wrong if your Pap smear comes back abnormal?

There are actually lots of reasons your Pap smear may come back “abnormal.” You may have an infection or inflammation, growth or cysts, changes in your hormones (usually due to pregnancy or menopause), problems with your immune system related to diabetes, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.

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What are symptoms of HPV in females?

Most people with HPV do not know they have the infection. They never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening).

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What does it mean when your Pap smear shows inflammation?

Inflammation. If inflammation (redness) is present in the cells on the Pap smear, it means that some white blood cells were seen on your Pap smear. Inflammation of the cervix is common and usually does not mean there is a problem.

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Will a Pap smear detect ovarian cysts?

No, a Pap test doesn't detect ovarian cysts. However, a pelvic exam can detect a large ovarian cyst. During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider feels your uterus and pelvis for lumps or masses. If a cyst is detected, they will likely order additional testing and discuss treatment options with you.

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Can Pap smear detect endometriosis?

A biopsy performed during laparoscopy is often used to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis. Can a Pap smear detect endometriosis? No, a Pap smear cannot detect endometriosis. A Pap smear is used to diagnose cervical cancer and HPV.

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What can you test positive for in a Pap smear?

A positive HPV test means you do have an HPV type that may be linked to cervical cancer. This does not mean you have cervical cancer now. But it could be a warning. The specific HPV type may be identified to determine the next step.

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What does cervix inflammation feel like?

Female reproductive system

Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Possible symptoms of cervicitis include bleeding between menstrual periods, pain with intercourse or during a pelvic exam, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

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Is inflammation of the cervix cancerous?

Infection with HPV that has progressed may cause cervical inflammation, which is usually a later sign of cervical cancer or precancer. It can also be the result of an infection due to other factors that could include: an allergy to spermicide or condom latex. a cervical cap or diaphragm.

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Can a Pap smear tell if you have an infection?

The Pap test is useful for finding cancerous cells, and other cervical and vaginal problems such as precancerous cells and inflammation. Your healthcare provider may use a Pap test to diagnose the following conditions: Inflammation. Infection.

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What is the most obvious symptoms caused by HPV?

Most people with HPV do not experience symptoms. However, some types of HPV cause warts or bumps on the skin. They may occur in or around the genitals, anus, tongue, mouth, or lips. Sometimes, HPV also causes warts on other areas of skin, such as the hands or feet.

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What will happen if HPV is left untreated?

If left untreated, some strains of HPV can cause cellular changes in your body that lead to cancer. The most common type of cancer linked to HPV is cervical cancer, but HPV infection can also cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, or back of the throat. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

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Can HPV make you feel unwell?

Most people with HPV don't have any symptoms or health problems. Sometimes HPV can cause genital warts. Some types of HPV can cause cancer.

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Why would a doctor call after a Pap smear?

Pap smear test results typically take four to five days to come back from the lab. In most cases, Pap results are normal. If so, you can expect to have another test in about three years. If your results are abnormal, you will receive a call from our team to set an appointment to confer with Dr.

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How long do smear test results take if abnormal?

It can take from 2 to 6 weeks. If you have been waiting longer than you expected, call your GP surgery to find out if they have any updates about when you might hear.

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What happens if colposcopy is positive?

You may need treatment if the results of your colposcopy show that there are abnormal cells in your cervix. The abnormal cells will be removed, which usually involves removing an area of the cervix about the size of a finger tip.

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Can a doctor see abnormal cells on cervix?

A colposcopy is used to find cancerous cells or abnormal cells that can become cancerous in the cervix, vagina, or vulva. These abnormal cells are sometimes called “precancerous tissue.” A colposcopy also looks for other health conditions, such as genital warts or noncancerous growths called polyps.

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How do you know if your cervix is infected?

Symptoms
  1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs after intercourse, or between periods.
  2. Unusual vaginal discharge that does not go away: discharge may be gray, white or yellow in color.
  3. Painful sexual intercourse.
  4. Pain in the vagina.
  5. Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis.
  6. Painful urination.
  7. Vaginal itching.

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What are the symptoms of uterus infection?

Symptoms
  • Pain — ranging from mild to severe — in your lower abdomen and pelvis.
  • Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odor.
  • Unusual bleeding from the vagina, especially during or after sex, or between periods.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Fever, sometimes with chills.
  • Painful, frequent or difficult urination.

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Is inflammation of the cervix serious?

What are the complications of cervicitis? Cervicitis is caused by organisms that can move up into the uterus and fallopian tubes if not treated. This can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to infertility and peritonitis, a life-threatening infection.

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