Abnormal Pap Smears

Pap smears are vital tests that identify early signs of cervical cancer. If your results show cell changes, board-certified OB/GYN Dee L. Hubbard, MD, in Catonsville, Maryland, can determine why and provide prompt treatment at her eponymous practice. Receiving an abnormal Pap smear result can be worrying, but it doesn’t mean you have cancer. Call Dr. Hubbard’s office or book an appointment online today to find out for sure and benefit from personalized diagnosis and treatment.

What are abnormal Pap smears?

Pap smears are routine screening tests that detect early signs of cervical cancer. Dr. Hubbard takes a cell sample from your cervix for laboratory analysis that detects changes in the cells. If your results show cell changes, you have an abnormal Pap smear.

Having an abnormal Pap smear doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. However, it’s vital to investigate and determine what’s causing the cell changes. In most cases, they’re due to benign (noncancerous) conditions, but detecting cancer early on is vital to optimize treatment.

What might abnormal Pap smears indicate?

Most abnormal Pap smears result from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common virus with multiple strains, some of which cause genital warts. Certain HPV strains cause cervical cancer, which is why Pap smears also check for HPV infection.

Mild (low-grade) cell changes typically resolve themselves without requiring treatment. Moderate or severe (high-grade) changes could progress to cancer.

Don’t assume the worst if you get an abnormal Pap smear result. Most cases turn out not to be cancer-related, but finding out for sure gives you peace of mind and the opportunity to begin any necessary treatment as soon as possible.

What happens after an abnormal Pap smear?

If your Pap smear shows cell changes, Dr. Hubbard will discuss the findings with you and suggest further tests. One of the primary abnormal Pap smear investigations is a colposcopy.

A colposcope is a specialized, flexible instrument that gives Dr. Hubbard a clear view of your cervix. She begins the procedure by gently inserting a speculum into your vagina to create a clear view of your cervix. She applies vinegar to highlight abnormal cells, then inserts the colposcope and views the cervical cells in detail.

If Dr. Hubbard detects any abnormalities, she can perform a biopsy. This involves taking tiny tissue samples from the endocervix and exocervix (the inner and outer areas). You’ll likely feel some pressure or cramping during a cervical biopsy. You can take medication like ibuprofen to reduce cramping afterward.

The biopsy samples go for lab testing. When Dr. Hubbard receives the results, she discusses them with you and lets you know whether you need further tests or treatment to remove the abnormal cells.

Call Dr. Dee L. Hubbard, MD, to learn more about abnormal Pap smears or book an appointment online today.