Follow Up for Abnormal Pap
We offer comprehensive follow-up care for patients whose Pap test - a lab sample taken during an annual exam to test for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix - comes back with abnormal results.
Why is it important to diagnose and treat abnormal cervical cells?
Most of the time, abnormal cervical cells heal without treatment. But sometimes, abnormal cells can develop into cancer. Treatments for precancerous abnormal cells are highly effective at preventing cervical cancer. That is why it is so important to have regular Pap tests and to follow up on any abnormal results.
One or more of the following treatments may be recommended by your health care provider. These treatments examine and target abnormal growths on the cervix.
- Colposcopy: a procedure used to detect abnormal cells and tissues of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. The clinician uses a colposcope - an instrument that looks like binoculars on a tripod and has a magnifying glass that lets the clinician examine surface cells.
- Biopsy: the removal of a small piece of tissue. The tissue is sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope. Biopsy is often done during colposcopy.
- Cryotherapy: destroys abnormal tissue by freezing it.
- LEEP: short for loop electrosurgical excision procedure, removes abnormal tissue by cutting it away using a thin wire loop that carries an electrical current.
The severity and location of the abnormal cells on your cervix determine which treatment is best for you. Your health care provider may also choose a treatment based on whether it is necessary to test the cells after the procedure.
Why Cell Changes May Occur
The cervix is open to the vagina. Therefore, it is exposed to bacteria and viruses that can cause infection and damage delicate cervical tissue. Abnormal Pap test results are often linked with to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a sexually transmitted infection that is the cause of genital warts. HPV can also cause changes in cervical cells. Other things that can increase your chances for cervical cell changes are an infection, having sex at a young age, having many sexual partners, or smoking.
To make an appointment or for more information, please contact one of our local health centers directly or call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected to the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.
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