I've been going to the OBGYN now for 4 years. I get a pap smear twice a year because I've never had a normal result. And, I get a coloscopy once every two years because I've never had a normal test. IF my there was nothing to worry about then, why has my test been abnormal for the past 4 years? That's 8 out of 8 abnormal. Does the doc automatically test for HPV during a coloscopy?
2006-08-31
05:50:54
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21 answers
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asked by
I luv my baby boy!
3
in
Health
➔ Women's Health
I know abnormal isn't normal. I get that. But, my doctor said abnormal results do happen....I'm just wondering how many in a row is abnormal. I think 8 tests in a row is deffinitely abnormal. But, I'm not a doctor. That's why I'm asking if anyone knows.
2006-08-31
06:07:06 ·
update #1
This may help too...I'm 25.
2006-08-31
06:08:12 ·
update #2
An abnormal Pap smear result does not always indicate cancer. Cells sometimes appear abnormal but are not cancerous. The woman will have to return to the clinic for follow-up care.
Remember that abnormal conditions do not always become cancerous, and some conditions are more of a threat than others.
An infection of the cervix may cause a positive test result. A yeast, trichomonas, chlamydial, or gonorrheal infection can cause the cervical cells to appear inflamed. After the infection is treated, the Pap smear result usually returns to normal.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause a test result to be positive. This virus may exist on the cervix or in the vagina and causes genital warts. Many types of HPV have been identified, and some are associated with cervical cancer. If the woman has HPV, she has a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
The smear result may be positive because it shows changes that may become cervical cancer.
If a woman has an abnormal Pap smear result, a repeat test should be done every 4-6 months for 2 years until 3 consecutive negative tests have been obtained.
If the Pap smear result is positive because of an infection, the underlying cause should be treated. The test should then be repeated in 2-3 months, because cancer of the cervix can be hidden by an infection. A check-up with a doctor is necessary.
Although the Pap smear is the best method of detecting cervical cancer early, it is not perfect. Because even the best labs can miss some cell changes, a woman should have the test performed yearly, as the American Cancer Society recommends.
Recently, 2 computerized systems (PAPNET and AutoPap) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to detect abnormal cells from a Pap smear. To ensure accuracy of the test, they use computer technology to recheck Pap smears for abnormal cells the technician may have missed. These tests cost more than a normal Pap smear, but they can be helpful if the woman is at high risk for cervical cancer. Consult a doctor about these methods.
An abnormal Pap smear means that the cells of your cervix have shown some slightly abnormal changes. Some abnormal cells are more likely than others to be cancerous. Ask your doctor which of the following changes you have.
ASC
ASC stands for atypical squamous cells. Squamous cells form the surface of your cervix. ASC is divided into two categories:
ASC-US means that although some of your cells are not normal, your doctor may not know why the cells changed or what impact it will have on you. These changes are usually not serious and may be caused by a vaginal infection or infection with a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). Your doctor may want to do a follow-up examination such as a repeat Pap smear or HPV testing.
ASC-H means that some of your cells are not normal and there is a small possibility that they may be precancerous. Your doctor will probably want to perform a colposcopy, which will allow your doctor to more closely examine your cervix. (See below for more information on colposcopy.)
AGC
AGC stands for atypical glandular cells. Glandular cells are cells that produce mucus and are located in your cervix or uterus. These results mean that some of your glandular cells are not normal, but your doctor does not know why. These changes are usually more serious. People with AGC usually have a higher risk for cervical cancer. Your doctor will probably want to perform a colposcopy to examine any irregular tissue.
LSIL
LSIL stands for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. Low-grade means there are early changes in the size and shape of the cells. LSILs are often associated with the presence of HPV, which may cause genital warts. You can be infected with HPV even if you or your partner have never had visible warts. (See link to the right for more information on HPV.) Your doctor will probably perform a colposcopy, HPV testing or recommend a repeat Pap smear.
HSIL
HSIL stands for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. High-grade means the cells are very different from normal cells. These cells are usually precancerous and are more likely to lead to cervical cancer. Your doctor will probably perform a colposcopy to determine how at risk you are for cancer.
Inflammation
If inflammation is present in the cells on the Pap smear, it means that some white blood cells were seen on your Pap smear. Inflammation of the cervix is very common and usually does not mean there is a problem. If the Pap smear showed the inflammation is severe, your doctor may want to find the cause, such as an infection. Your doctor may also recommend a repeat Pap smear to see if the inflammation has gone.
Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis is a finding of dried skin cells on your Pap smear. This change in the cells of the cervix often occurs from using a cervical cap or diaphragm or from having a cervical infection. Hyperkeratosis rarely needs any more evaluation than a repeat Pap smear in 6 months to 1 year. If the hyperkeratosis is still present on the repeat Pap smear, your doctor may want to perform another Pap smear or perform a colposcopy.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to closely examine abnormal cells on your cervix. Your doctor may coat your cervix with a vinegar solution that causes any abnormal areas to turn white. Then, your doctor will examine these areas using a colposcope, an instrument like a microscope. A small piece of tissue may be removed for study in a laboratory. This is called a biopsy.
If you have had a coloscopy and nothing has turned out then your ok. But just in case something ever does come up, you'll be glad they did the testing right?
2006-08-31 05:58:41
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answer #1
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answered by Becki 2
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This Site Might Help You.
RE:
I've had abnormal pap results for 4 years straight. Is that normal?
I've been going to the OBGYN now for 4 years. I get a pap smear twice a year because I've never had a normal result. And, I get a coloscopy once every two years because I've never had a normal test. IF my there was nothing to worry about then, why has my test been abnormal for the...
2015-08-06 15:44:57
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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No, abnormal indicates the absence of normal. You need to find out what the Dr. wants you to do about this or get a second opinion. Be proactive and corner your Doc about this. Find out what it means, what exactly is abnormal, and what your doc intends to do about it. An abnormal pap can often be an indicator of cervical cancer. That's what the test is for! There are other factors that could cause it to read abnormal, but this is not something to play around with until you know for sure.
2006-08-31 05:56:01
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answer #3
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answered by lizardmama 6
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ve abnormal pap results 4 years straight normal
2016-01-31 07:45:38
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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I've had 2 abnormal paps in the past 3 years and both colposcopy tests came out fine.
When the pap comes back abnormal its just showing that there is abnormal cell growth. Don't worry. As long as the colposcopy tests keep coming back negative you are fine. Just be thankful that you have the money/insurance/ intelligence to keep having it checked.
2006-08-31 05:54:54
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answer #5
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answered by Queen Nefertiti 3
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Abnormal paps are abnormal and if you had that many abnormal i would say there is something to worry about. I suggest you see a different doctor. And if he has any sense he would have tested you for HPV.
2006-08-31 05:54:44
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answer #6
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answered by Violet 5
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Dont jump to conclusions yet! Try to understand whats going on! its not always abnormal for doctors to act and treat things this way!!I had an abnormal pap smear. I was diagnosed with HPV and certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. When my test came back, they did a coloscopy that came back as stage 0 cervical cancer, My doctor and i decided the best thing to do was to do a procedure called "LEEP" also known as "LOOP" to remove the "abnormal" cells. Alot of times though doctors will wait and see, and sometimes it is better that way. Because alot of times you have it removed and you find out it is not cancerous.They are simply "abnormal" cells. Or precancerous cells. Having them removed can sometimes be worse then living with them, There are MANY risks to having them removed, one is the chance of never having kids again. So i suggest you speak to your doctor and make sure you understand what is going on with you, and why he is choosing to "wait and see". One of the best places to go is webmd and type in cervical cancer, and you will read all about it. But dont jump to conclusions just make sure you understand what having an "abnormal" pap means!!! GOODLUCK!
2006-08-31 09:50:43
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answer #7
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answered by jess_n_flip 4
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I would say that's ABnormal. Just like the test states.
2006-08-31 05:51:58
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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abnormal means not normal. you need to talk to you'r dr about this. and demand to know what is really going on. if you'r dr can't do that for you. then i'd find another dr.
2006-08-31 05:54:06
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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OMG, you need a second opinion. No, it is not at all normal for repeated abnormal tests. SOMETHING is going on, you just gotta figure out what! Good luck hon.. I am not trying to scare you, but get a second opinion A.S.A.P!
2006-08-31 05:54:01
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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