YOUNG-WOMEN Messages for July, 2000: Re: Abnormal Pap test

Re: Abnormal Pap test

From: D. Ashley Hill, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 11 Jul 2000 22:01:20 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Jessica: "Abnormal Pap test"

At Sat, 8 Jul 2000, Jessica wrote: >
>I have a question, I recently went and had a pap test and it came back
>abnormal and they said that it was high grade and they have referred me
>to a doctor and said that I needed to have a coloscopy. I am really
>nervous about this and I was wondering what could be wrong and what to
>expect when I get this test done.

Jessica-

Good question. Pap smears check for cervical precancer. Although they are good tests, they are not perfect. When a Pap smear comes back abnormal, the next step is a colposcopy, which is a (usually) painless test where your doctor looks at your cervix with a magnifying lens to see if there is any evidence of cervical precancer. If there is, your doctor will take a biopsy, which involves taking a very small piece of cervical tissue. In most cases this piece is only about 1/2 the size of an eraser on a pencil.

If the biopsy comes back very abnormal, which puts you at risk for cervical cancer, your doctor will probably advise either freezing the cervix (usually painless) or using an electric wire to remove the abnormal area (called a LEEP procedure). These are done in the office.

It sounds like your doctor is on top of this. Thus, you should not really be worried, but you should certainly make sure that you follow up with your doctor to get the colposcopy.

Good luck with everything,

--
David Ashley Hill, MD
Associate Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

My apologies, but due to time constraints I am unable to answer private e-mails.

Next message: Reeba: "Extremely light periods"
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In reply to: Jessica: "Abnormal Pap test"

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