Is a D&C Warranted After a Positive Pap Smear?
A Pap Smear, also called a Pap Test, is a routine procedure that doctors perform on women to check for early signs of cervical cancer. The Smear works by discovering abnormal changes in the cervical cells. The Pap Smear can distinguish between vaginal infections, abnormal cervical cells, and cervical cancer. Because early detection is the primary key to successfully treating cervical cancer, the federal government encourages all women to make Pap screening a regular part of their health care routine.
atypia
A positive Pap Smear may indicate the presence of atypia in which some of the cervical cells show a change which could be due to an infection or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Treatment for this condition does not warrant a D&C.
mild dysplasia
A positive Pap Smear may indicate the presence of precancerous low-grade lesions, also called mild dysplasia, particularly in young women between the ages of 25 and 35 years old. Treatment may include examination by colposcopy and close follow-up.
severe dysplasia
A positive Pap Smear may indicate the presence of precancerous high-grade lesions, or severe dysplasia. This is a more serious situation and should be followed up with a colposcopic examination to further evaluation the potential for malignancy.
Cancer
A positive Pap Smear may indicate the presence of abnormal cells that exist below the surface level and may have spread to other organs. These cells may be cancerous and the doctor will probably suggest a biopsy in order to make a more definite diagnosis.
Indeterminate
In some cases a doctor may not be able to determine whether an abnormal Pap Smear originated in the cervix or the uterine lining. In this case the doctor may suggest a D&C.
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