Should you be worried about an abnormal pap smear?

 

 

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. In some cases, pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are present.

 

Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD is a top Gynecologist in NYC who strongly recommends women have a Pap Smear exam done annually to help detect the presence of any cervical cancer cells. Cervical cancer has been on the decline over the last decade thanks to pap smears. Dr Goldstein, performs pap smear exams in his office and evaluates patients with abnormal pap smear results.

 

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.  Pap smear recommendations should be closely aligned with sexual history and number of partners not just age.

 

In these cases Dr Goldstein, an Obgyn 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.

 

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

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

-         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 Cyotherapy destroys abnormal tissue through freezing.

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

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

 

Dr Goldstein, one of the best Gynecologist in NYC personally performs all these exams. If you are in need of a pap smear or have had a pap smear with abnormal results, then contact Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD.  Dr Goldstein is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University School of Medicine, Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at NYU Langone Medical Center and the author of over seven books on Gynecology. He is regarded as one of the best Gynecologists in the US.

 

Does having a thick uterine lining require surgical intervention?

 

 Many patients have been told that they have a thick uterine lining and possibly in need of invasive surgical procedures. Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD, an obgyn in Manhattan, was the first to suggest in 1991 that a thin, distinct endometrial echo on transvaginal ultrasound in postmenopausal bleeding did not indicate the need for a biopsy. This was finally adopted as the standard of care by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in 2009.

 

Unfortunately, many doctors, both radiologists and gynecologists, have misinterpreted all of the early data to believe that a thick lining without bleeding requires some sort of intervention. The data has shown that as many as 1 in 8 postmenopausal women will have thick uterine lining without any bleeding.

 

Such women do not require any type of biopsy or other intervention unless they have any bleeding or brown discharge. If you have had a vaginal sonogram and been told that your lining is thick but have had no bleeding do not allow any invasive intervention.

 

Dr. Goldstein, a gynecologist in Manhattan, has championed this concept, although unfortunately, it is not widely understood by many practitioners.

 

Dr. Steven R. Goldstein MD is long considered one of the nation’s top doctors in gynecology. Dr Goldstein is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University School of Medicine, a Past Chairman of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Section, and Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Certified Menopause Practitioner. Dr Goldstein is the recipient of the Thomas A. Clarkson award for many outstanding contributions to menopause related clinical or basic science research.

 

If you have been told you have a thick uterine lining then contact Dr Steven R. Goldstein, a top obgyn in Manhattan for a consultation. You may visit his website at for more information on him and to schedule an appointment.