Almost 12,000 women are diagnosed with new cases of cervical cancer each year in the United States, but only 36% of women worldwide have been screened for this sometimes deadly (when not detected early and treated) cancer. Because the early stages of cervical cancer don’t cause symptoms, Pap smears can detect this disease when it’s easiest to cure.
See our obstetrics and gynecology experts at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery to schedule a routine Pap smear or determine if you’re due for a screening.
Pap smears are painless diagnostic tests that screen for signs of cervical cancer or abnormal cells within the cervix. During this routine gynecology procedure, we insert a speculum into your vagina, gently swab your cervix to obtain a sample of cells, and send the sample to a lab for analysis. The results sometimes indicate a need for additional testing.
You may also be a candidate for human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD) test. We can complete an HPV test at the same time as a Pap smear using a cervical swab.
You can expect your Pap test results within 1-3 weeks. A negative result is normal, indicating only healthy cervical cells were present. Sometimes, the results are unclear, requiring another Pap test at a later date.
If you have a positive Pap smear result, the lab has detected abnormal cells within your cervix. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, just that you likely need follow-up testing.
After an abnormal Pap test result, our OB/GYN experts may suggest you undergo a colposcopy. In this procedure, we closely examine your cervix using a magnifying instrument. We look for abnormal cells by swiping the area with acetic acid, which turns any abnormal cells white.
If we identify such cells, we perform a biopsy, taking a tiny tissue sample and sending it to a lab for further analysis. You may feel a slight pinch during the biopsy, but it lasts briefly.
If the lab analysis reveals low-grade changes, our Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery team often recommends simply watching and waiting.
If your cervical tissue sample reveals moderate- to high-grade changes, you might be a candidate for conization (removing a cone-shaped section of your cervix and part of the cervical canal).
We may suggest you complete a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cold knife cone biopsy, or additional procedures (laser treatment, cryotherapy, hysterectomy, etc.) to remove any precancerous or cancerous tissues.
The frequency of your Pap smears depends on your age and underlying risk factors. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests the following general screening schedule:
More frequent testing may be necessary if you have a history of cervical cancer, a weakened immune system, HIV/AIDS, or other risk factors. Our skilled specialists help you determine how often to schedule Pap tests based on your individualized needs.
Schedule your next Pap smear at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery today. Call us or request an appointment online.
