How Does Smoking Effect a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is a gynecological test that checks for infectious agents or cancer cells in the cervix. Cigarette smoking has been correlated to changes in the cervix, and thus a Pap smear for a smoker is more likely to show cervical abnormalities than for a nonsmoker.
Cervical Dysplasia
The presence of abnormal cervical cells on a Pap smear is diagnosed as cervical dysplasia. According to Truestar Health, smokers are more likely to receive this diagnosis than nonsmokers. Cervical dysplasia can be as simple as mild inflammation or as critical as malignancy.
Human Papillomavirus
The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) notes that smoking causes changes in the cervical cells, which can lead to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most HPV infections have no outward symptoms, but some forms can eventually cause cervical cancer or genital warts. HPV can be detected with a Pap smear.
Cervical Cancer
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that abnormal cervical cells caused by smoking can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer does not have symptoms, but it can be diagnosed with a Pap smear. Early detection allows for treatment, thus preventing the malignant cells from spreading to other organs or tissues.
Secondhand Smoke
Truestar Health reports that consistent exposure to secondhand smoke is just a likely to result in an abnormal Pap smear as actual smoking.
When a Woman Stops Smoking
According to the ASCCP, if a woman stops smoking, her immune system will become stronger. Thus, her body will have the strength to fight off a minor HPV infection without treatment, which can result in a normal Pap smear.
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