Possible Causes of Abnormal Pap Results
Most women do not enjoy going to the gynecologist for their annual Pap smear even though discomfort is felt for a short time during the exam. Named after George Papanicolaou, a doctor of Greek descent who first developed the diagnostic screening for uterine cancer, the Pap smear has reduced the number of deaths by cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2009 approximately 11,270 American cases of cervical cancer will be identified.
Pap Smear Basics
A Pap smear is a gynecological examination that women undergo. The doctor performing the exam will take a sample of cells from the cervix and observe them under a microscope. If lab results show abnormal cell changes, then the doctor may repeat the test or he may do a colposcopy where he examines the uterus with a microscope in order to determine the cause of the abnormal Pap test. As a determining factor, a biopsy of any abnormal cells may be taken. An abnormal Pap smear may mean there is evidence of cervical dysplasia, or precancerous changes in the cervix.
Causes
The main cause of abnormal Pap smear is infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus lowers women's immunity to other serious infections such as HIV infection, and it initiates precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix. Infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia and herpes can cause an abnormal Pap smear result. Inflammation of the uterus or cervix can also cause an abnormal Pap smear.
Symptoms
Generally, there are no symptoms that would point to an abnormal Pap smear. There may be symptoms of infection, and the Pap smear helps the doctor identify changes taking place in the woman's uterus that may be related to an infection or other abnormal condition. Additionally, if there are signs of an infection the Pap smear can help determine the infectious agent.
Risks
A Pap smear is not foolproof. It detects cervical cancer in the early stages, but it has a 5 percent fail rate. Roughly 1 in 20 women who receive the Pap smear will get a false-negative result. However, if a woman has an annual Pap exam, it is likely that any abnormal changes will be detected on a subsequent exam.
Considerations
Since the initiation of the Pap smear exam, deaths by cervical cancer have greatly reduced. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer found in the early stages is almost 100 percent curable. In fact, the Pap smear prevents almost all deaths due to cervical cancer.
Tags: cervical cancer, abnormal smear, cause abnormal, cause abnormal smear, deaths cervical
