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PAP SMEAR / COLPOSCOPY / HPV
  • Learn about Pap tests
  • Learn about Colposcopy
  • Learn about HPV

    • PAP SMEAR: YOUR LIFE, YOUR CHOICE

    There are some things you just have to do for yourself. Even if you're busy, you have to take the time to care for yourself. That means eating right, exercising and going to the dcotor for checkups even though you're not sick. One of those checkups is called a Pap test.

    diagram of bodyWHAT IS A PAP TEST?

    A Pap test is easy and it doesn't hurt. It only takes a couple of minutes to do. The doctor or nurse collects some cells from your cervix with a cotton tipped applicator. You almost can't feel it. Then they look at the cells under a microscope.

    WHY SHOULD I HAVE A PAP TEST?

    To stay healthy. The whole point is to stay healthy. Pap tests help find problems early. If anything is wrong, your doctor can take care of the problem before it turns into cancer. Cancer of the cervix is something no woman should ever have, If precancerous cells are found, or if cancer cells are found early, before they spread, the problem can be treated more easily and your chances for a cure are better. And taking care of yourself in this way won't stop you from having a baby if you want to.

    Some people think that women only go to get a Pap test if something bad is wrong with them. That's not true. You need to have regular Pap tests even when you feel healthy or don't think you have a problem.

    Any woman who is sexually active or is 18 or older needs a Pap test. Even if you are over the change and aren't having babies anymore, you still need to have Pap tests. And when you go in for your Pap, it is a good idea to have a pelvic exam, too. The doctor will check your womb and pelvic area to make sure everything is all right.

    PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

    You can lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Here are some things you should know to protect yourself:

    1. If you are having or have been having sex, or if you are 18 years old, have a Pap test and a pelvic exam every year. If they are normal three years in a row, your health care provider will tell you how often to have them.
    2. Your chances of getting cervical cancer are greater if you had sex at an early age or have multiple sex partners.
    3. Don't smoke. If you smoke cigarettes, you are at greater risk of getting cervical cancer.

    SYMPTOMS

    If you have an pain, discharge, or bleeding that is not your period, make sure you see a doctor right away.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    Call the American Cancer Society, toll-free, at 1-800-acs-2345
    Visit American Cancer Society's web site at www.cancer.org
    Call Catawba County Health Department at 828-695-5800

    COLPOSCOPY

    IF I HAVE AN ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR, WILL I GET CANCER?

    1. If your Pap smear is not normal, it does not mean that you have cancer.
    2. Most often an abnormal Pap smear means that you either have an infection or you have changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer if they are not treated.
    3. If you pap smear is not normal, you must get the recommended follow-up and treatment.
    4. Regular Pap smears and treatment when needed can prevent most cancer of the cervix.
    WHAT DOES MY PAP SMEAR RESULT MEAN? cell
    1. Normal - This is good. The cervical cells are healthy. If previous pap smears have also been normal, you won't need a Pap smear for at least a year.
    2. Unsatisfactory for evaluation - The slide cannot be read. Causes include douching, bleeding, infection, or not enough cells on the slide. The pap smear should probably be repeated in 2-3 months.
    3. Benign - The pap smear showed infection, irritation or normal cell repair. If you have an infection, you may need medication. Otherwise, your health care provider will most likely recommend another Pap smear in a year.
    4. cellAscus - (Atypical cells of undetermined significance) - The Pap smear showed some abnormal changes in the cells, but the cause is not clear. Infection is a common cause, and you may be given medication. Your health care provider will most likely recommend another Pap smear in 3-6 months.
    5. Low grade changes - You may have been infected with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Some types of HPV are associated with an increased risk for cancer of the cervix. Your health care provider will recommend specific follow-up. This may include another Pap smear in 3-6 months or a colposcopy.
    6. High grade changes - The cells of the cervix may progress toward cancer, but they are not cancer yet. Fewer than half of the women with this test result will develop cancer. Colposcopy is needed. Biopsy and treatment may be necessary. Treatment is important - but waiting a few weeks is okay.
    WHAT IS COLPOSCOPY?
    1. cellColposcopy is a procedure that allows your health care provider to look at the cervix with a special high power microscope. If abnormal cells are suspected, a biopsy will be taken - a biopsy involves removing a tiny piece of tissue that is sent to the lab for further testing.

      WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BIOPSY RESULTS?

    1. The cells are normal - Another Pap smear and sometimes another colposcopy may be needed just to make certain.
    2. Low grade changes - (HPV/Genital warts, mild dysplasia, CIN I) Your health care provider will either treat you or follow-up with a Pap smear every 3-4 months for at least a year to watch for changes.
    3. High grade changes - (Moderate to sever dysplasia, CIN II or III) Treatment is needed.
    4. Cancer - Treatment is needed and may include surgery.

    WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ABNORMAL CERVICAL CHANGES? cell

    Discuss the types of treatments with your health care provider and follow through with the treatment chosen. Be sure your health care provider discusses the risks of each procedure with you.

    1. Cryocautery - The surface of the cervix is frozen. The abnormal cells peel off and new healthy cells may grow back. You may have mild cramps during the procedure. This treatment may be used if the abnormal area is small.
    2. LEEP/LLETZ- After you are given a local anesthetic, the surface of the cervix is removed with an electric wire loop. New healthy cells grow back. This treatment may be used if the abnormal area is large.
    3. Laser Vaporization - After you are given a local anesthetic, a beam of light is used to remove the surface of the cervix. New healthy cells grow back. This treatment may be used if the abnormal area is large.
    4. Conization - After you are given an anesthetic, a cone-shaped area of the cervix is removed to get rid of abnormal cells inside and on the surface of the cervix. New healthy cells grow back. This treatment may be used if the abnormal area is hidden or very severe.

      After any of the above procedure you will have some spotting and discharge.

    5. Hysterectomy - The uterus is surgically removed. This procedure is done in the hospital. You will be given either a regional or general anesthetic. You will no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant.
    cellWHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER TREATMENT?

    You will need a Pap smear every 3-6 months for 1-2 years following most of these treatments.

    You will need a Pap smear at least once a year for the rest of your life, even if you had a hysterectomy (pre-cancerous cells could develop at the top of the vagina).

    1. Do not smoke - It double your chance of geting cancer of the cervix.
    2. Eat healthy foods inclding dark green leafy vegetables, red/orange/yellow fruits and vegetables, and whole grain foods. These foods help the cervix heal.
    3. Consider decisions about sex very carefully - The younger you begin having sex, the greater your risk for developing cancer of the cervix.
    4. Being abstinent - not having sex, prevents sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS and greatly reduces your risk for cancer of the cervix.
    5. If you do have sex -
      1. Sex with only one STD-free, lifelong partner is the safest sex.
      2. Otherwise, limit the number of your sexual partners.
      3. Do not have sex with anyone who has a STD; always use a condom for sex.
      4. The more people you have sex with - the greater your risk for STDs, HIV/AIDS and cancer of the cervix.

    WHAT IS HPV?

    HPV is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 70 types. Certain types of HPV cause warts on the hands or feet, while others can cause visible genital warts. Sometimes, however, HPV infection causes no warts and many people with genital HPV do not know they have the virus.

    HPV also can produce changes in the cells of the cervix (the opening of the uterus) that may lead to other health problems.

    Sometimes you can have HPV but not have any warts. However the virus can still cause changes in the cells of your cervix that may result in health problems. The virus can still cause warts in your partner also.

    Back to Women's Preventive Health
     

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