WHAT IF YOU HAVE AN ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR?

 

 

Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD is a  Gynecologist in NYC who screens for cervical cancer in his patients. He strongly recommends annual pap smear exams to help detect the presence of cervical cancer cells. However, Pap smear recommendations should be closely aligned with sexual history and number of partners not just age. Thanks to the pap smear exam (also called a pap test), cervical cancer has been on the decline over the last decade.

 

An abnormal pap smear is one where there is the presence of abnormal cervical cells. The cervix is the area located at the lower, narrow end of the uterus. Abnormal pap smears are no need for alarm, as all they indicate is that there has been a change in the cervical cells can be due to infection, inflammation, or changes in the menstrual cycle. However, in some cases, pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are present.

 

We now understand that abnormal cervical cells are related to the HPV virus. There are over 100 strains of HPV. Virtually all sexually active women will be exposed to HPV but most clear the virus on their own.  High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer. There are 12 high-risk HPV types: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59. Two of these, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.

 

It is important to remember that HPV is NOT the disease. Most women will clear HPV on their own in many cases. The disease is cervical cancer, and that is why the cervical cells need to be monitored to ensure that cervical cancer is not present.

 

In the cases of an abnormal pap smear, Dr Goldstein, a  Gynecologist in NYC, will carefully review your case and determine if further tests are needed or if necessary, advise of the best available non-invasive treatment options available to you.

 

There are several additional tests which can be performed in the case of abnormal pap smear results:

 

1.     A Colposcopy is a procedure where a colposcope is used to see the vaginal and cervical cells in detail.

2.     An Endocervical curettage is a procedure where a small spoon-shaped tool (curette) collects a sample of cells from the endocervical canal.

3.     A Biopsy is where a small sample of cervical tissue is removed and sent to a lab to be studied under a microscope.

If additional testing determines treatment of the abnormal cells is needed, Dr. Goldstein may recommend one of the following options:

a.      A Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue through freezing.

b.     Laser therapy destroys or removes abnormal cells with the use of a narrow beam of intense light.

c.      Conization is where a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed with a knife, laser or LEEP technique.

If you have been told you have an abnormal pap smear and would like further evaluation, then a consultation with Dr Steven R. Goldstein, a  Gynecologist in NYC may be appropriate.