Can an abnormal Pap smear be nothing?

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.

What can cause an abnormal Pap smears besides HPV?

Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

Can an abnormal Pap become normal?

Abnormal cervical cells may also return to normal even without treatment, especially in younger women. LSIL and HSIL are two types of abnormal changes to cervical squamous cells.

How common is an abnormal Pap smear?

About 5% of all Pap tests will be abnormal, meaning that the sample contains atypical cervical cells. However, the majority of these cells are not cancerous or even precancerous. An abnormal Pap test result does not mean cancer, but it does require follow-up to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Can you have abnormal cells without having cancer?

The more serious changes are often called “precancer” because they are not yet cancer, but they can turn into cancer over time. In rare cases, an abnormal Pap test can show that you may have cancer.

Abnormal Pap Smear: What Does It Mean?

How long does it take for abnormal cells to turn into cancer?

These aren't cancer cells, but cells that may turn cancerous if left untreated for many years. It takes 10-15 years for pre-cancer to progress to cancer. If you already have cancer cells, this would show up as malignancy.

Why would I need an ultrasound after a Pap smear?

Although Papanicolaou test (PAP smear) tests are the preferred screening tool, sonography can be used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and adnexa for any changes that would suggest abnormalities and disease.

Should I be worried about abnormal smear test?

Abnormal Smears. Smear tests identify changes in cervical cells and help identify abnormal cells which can help prevent cervical cancer. It is quite normal for women to experience this at some stage in their life and it does not typically elude to anything serious.

Should I be worried if I need a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a safe and quick procedure. However, some women find it uncomfortable and a few experience pain. Tell the doctor or nurse (colposcopist) if you find the procedure painful, as they will try to make you more comfortable. A colposcopy is a safe procedure to have during pregnancy.

What does a slightly abnormal Pap smear mean?

Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). That's the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and can be linked to cervical cancer. Changes to your cervical cells caused by HPV can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Can you get abnormal cells without HPV?

If you don't have HPV, it is highly unlikely that you will have any abnormal cervical cells. Even if you did, it would be extremely unlikely that they would cause a problem. You will simply be called back for screening again in 3 - 5 years' time (depending on your age).

Why do I need a colposcopy if my Pap is normal?

If your pap test showed some abnormal cells and you tested positive for HPV, a colposcopy can help confirm and diagnose potential problems. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus that may raise your risk for certain types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

What can cause a false positive Pap smear?

Can a yeast infection cause an abnormal Pap smear?

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) , yeast infections can lead to an abnormal Pap smear finding called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap smear result.

What happens after an abnormal Pap smear?

“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.

How painful is a colposcopy biopsy?

A cervical biopsy will cause mild discomfort but is usually not painful; you may feel some pressure or cramping. Vaginal biopsy. A biopsy of the lower portion of the vagina or the vulva can cause pain, so your doctor may administer a local anesthetic to numb the area.

How long is the wait for a colposcopy?

Whatever the kind of smear abnormality you have, if you are referred for colposcopy you should not have to wait long for the appointment. The vast majority of women referred for colposcopy should be seen within 8 weeks.

What happens if colposcopy is normal?

Normal result

About 4 in 10 colposcopy results are normal. This means no cell changes (abnormal cells) were found in your cervix during colposcopy or biopsy. You can have a normal colposcopy result even if you had an abnormal cervical screening result. This is because cervical screening does not diagnose cell changes.

How reliable are smear tests?

Like all screening tests, it doesn't work 100% of the time. It's possible some abnormal cells could be missed. If so, your result could say your cells are normal, when in fact you have some abnormal cells that could develop into cancer. This is called a false negative.

How long does it take for HPV to cause abnormal cells?

HPV-related cancers often take years to develop after getting an HPV infection. Cervical cancer usually develops over 10 or more years. There can be a long interval between being infected with HPV, the development of abnormal cells on the cervix and the development of cervical cancer.

Do you have HPV for life?

You can have HPV for many years without it causing problems. You can have it even if you have not been sexually active or had a new partner for many years.

Will I get my ultrasound results straight away?

You may be told the results of your scan soon after it's been carried out, but in most cases the images will need to be analysed and a report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan. They'll discuss the results with you a few days later or at your next appointment, if one's been arranged.

Can you see HPV on ultrasound?

Endovaginal cavity ultrasound, seen as a rapid and completely harmless procedure, has become a common medical diagnostic tool. The close contact between the probe and the cervix uteri or vaginal wall may represent a potential vector for sexual transmitted infections, such as HPV.

What causes abnormal cells in cervix?

Other things can cause cells to look abnormal, including irritation, some infections (such as a yeast infection), growths (such as polyps in the uterus), and changes in hormones that occur during pregnancy or menopause. Although these things may make cervical cells look abnormal, they are not related to cancer.

What are the symptoms of Stage 1 cervical cancer?