Abnormal Pap Smear
A Pap smear is a test that allows your doctor to look at the cells from your cervix and see if there are any problems, such as cancer. An Abnormal Pap Smear indicates that the cells of your cervix have shown some slightly unusual changes and need further review and testing. Pap tests are done as a part of a woman’s routine physical exam as a means to prevent cervical cancer. Of course, having an abnormal test result from you Pap smear does not mean that you have cancer. In fact, the chances that you have cancer are very small, and though it is understandably difficult, we encourage you not to let your mind travel to the worst-case scenarios.
At Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. we provide comprehensive and compassionate medical care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Our OB/GYN practice consists of six experienced OB/GYN physicians and a dedicated Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Practitioner. Our entire staff is committed to mixing excellent medical care with sensitivity because we view each of our patients as a person first.
An abnormal Pap smear test result can be concerning, but it should not cause you to panic. Most abnormal Pap smears result from Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs), a group of more than 100 different viruses found in a large number of sexually active adults. Because most women with HPV do not experience any symptoms, they are unaware that they have the disease. This is one of the most important reasons why women over the age of twenty-one receive annual Pap smears. If left untreated, HPV can lead to cervical cancer and other serious health issues.
A Pap smear is a test done for the early detection of cervical caner. However, this does not mean than an abnormal Pap smear equates to a woman having cervical cancer. An abnormal result means that further testing is needed because of the presence of suspicious cells. Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A. is currently accepting new patients, and we provide Pap smears and further screening as a complete part of our gynecologic care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
