Abnormal Pap Smears

Worried about your abnormal pap smear? Gynaecologists will discuss the next step

 

A pap smear (now known as a cervical cancer screening test) collects cells from your cervix to determine if the HPV (Human papillomavirus) is present. This is the virus that causes cells of the cervix to become abnormal. With time, if left untreated, these cells can become cancerous.

Your cervix is found at the base of the uterus and connects the uterus to the vagina. It acts as a tunnel for sperm to travel through to reach eggs for fertilisation.

Cervical cancer is a risk for women. If you’re aged 25-74 and are sexually active, you’re now recommended to have a cervical screening every 5 years.

Abnormal pap smear results

 

Don’t be alarmed if your pap smear comes back with abnormal cells. About 5% of pap smears come back with abnormalities – and abnormal cells don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. You could have HPV, which is a virus commonly spread through sexual intercourse.


Did you get an abnormal pap smear? Gynaecologists may request further tests or recommend a biopsy or surgical removal of the abnormal cells.

 
 
 

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a cervical examination. It allows your gynaecologist to get a closer look of your cervix. They will insert a speculum (similar to when you have a pap smear) into the vagina to examine the cervix with a microscope.

Biopsy

If your cervix looks abnormal during a colposcopy, your gynaecologist may need to take a biopsy of your cervical tissue to get tested. This is quick and not too uncomfortable.

 

Abnormal cell treatment

Depending on the extent of abnormality, you may need to have cells removed so they don’t turn into cancer.

This may be through either a large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) or cone biopsy.

 
 

LLETZ

This method removes abnormal pap smear cells with a wire loop and is done using local or general anaesthetic. The wire loop removes only the superficial cell layer of the cervix.

Cone Biopsy

Depending on the type of abnormality, a small percentage of women may need to get a larger portion of the cervix removed. This requires general anaesthetic. 
If you’ve just received test results that show an abnormal pap smear, a gynaecologist will discuss the next steps with you.