WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 2000: Re: Irregular Pap results

Re: Irregular Pap results

From: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 30 Nov 2000 03:30:33 -0600 (CST)

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At Wed, 29 Nov 2000, brooks4868 wrote: >
>I received a call from my doctor today. She said that there was some irregularity on my Pap smear and that they were not really concerned, but that they wanted me to come back in six months rather than a year for a follow-up exam. I can't remember if she actually used the word "atypia" since that is what jumped into my head while she was talking. She said that coming in too soon after a period and/or using tampons (both occurred here) could have been the cause. I had atypical Pap results in 1988, resulting in cryosurgery, and 1992, in which colposcopy/biopsy turned out ok. Have had normal Paps since then. I always abstain from sex for 3 days before the exams so I imagine that could not have been the cause. I was wondering if perhaps this is rather lax care on the part of my doctor, considering my history. Would like your opinion.
>
>Two more questions:
>Is cervical cancer relatively slow- or fast-growing? I am 32.
>What is the BEST time to go in for a Pap so this doesn't happen again? I went in soon after my period because my cervix is tight from the cryo so I thought it might be a little more "open" then.
>
>I apologize if this has already been asked. I cannot access the web pages at this time. I would very much appreciate an email reply if possible.
>
>Thank you very much,
>Melody

Melody, I think your physician's approach is what is indicated. A pap smear with cervical atypia and no evidence of dysplasia is likely to correct itself over time, alleviating the need for any further significant intervention (i.e. colposcopy and cryo/LEEP). Cervical cancer has traditionally been thought of as a slow growing lesion that develops over an approximate 7 year period if cervical dysplasia is either ignored or not identified. Unfortunately, this has changed with the presence of HPV (human papilloma virus). Now the transition from cervical dysplasia to cervical cancer can occur much more quickly. Thus the increasing importance for yearly exams/paps. The only real critical issue with regard to timing of the pap is to assure that you are not bleeding. Beyond this, the pap should not be significantly affected by other factors... Lynn

--
Lynn D. Montgomery, MD
Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Rocky Mountain Perinatal Center
Missoula, Montana

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.  This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options and/or interventions.

**Private e-mails cannot be entertained due to time constraints, consequently no private e-mails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

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