doctor's report...?

Question

I just received a letter from my doctor for the results regarding my recent pap smear. In the letter, it said that there were mild abnormalities, and that I need to schedule an appointment in six months. What's the definition of a "mild abnormality"?

Answer 1

It means that you had some abnormal cells on your pap smear. A lot of times they are not read properly at the lab but to be on the safe side go ahead and make the six month appointment.

Answer 2

There may have been cells that might indicate a problem, what exactly the problem is - is unknown. Had your doctor felt that the test was highly abnormal, you would have received a phone call to schedule another Pap pretty soon, or prescribed you some medication. He wants to schedule another Pap in six months so that you and he can be reassured there is nothing wrong.

A Pap is mainly performed mainly to detect cells for cervical cancer (he would have known this right away and gotten with you immediately), but the swab can also detect STD's (if you are sexually active). If he feels no medication is needed, things should be okay for you. Make a note to use protection while having sex (condom) so that you and your partner remain safe until the next exam.

Answer 3

Mild abnormality refers to displaysia, a grouping of abnormal cells. Often, it is nothing and they are just being cautious. They may simply schedule you for another pap, or you may need to go in for a colposcopy, during which they will smear vinegar on your cervix and look for white areas using a giant magnifying glass. If they see something that is worrisome, they may decide to take a biopsy. A biopsy is not that bad. They just take these long scissor things and take a tiny sample of the abnormal cells. It's uncomfortable, but not much more so than having your legs in the air in the first place. Worst case scenario, you have HPV or possible cervical cancer and they will either do cryo-therapy (freeze it off) or LEEP (use electricity to cauterize and cut it off). Generally, and abnormal pap is no big deal and the abnormal cells clear up all by themselves. No biggie. Just one of those things. I have had dozens of abnormal paps, five colposcopies and have had to go in for the LEEP twice. I can still have kids. It's not that scary, just annoying. It interrupts your sex life a bit. I want to say that it is no big deal, but you absolutely MUST keep your eye on it. You shouldn't freak out. You shouldn't be worried at this stage. Do some research, educate yourself, stay calm. It is important to go to the gyno every year because if left untreated, these things can spiral out of control to the point where you can have serious problems. If you keep your eye on it,are responsible and get checked every year, then it really is no big deal except in EXTREMELY rare cases.

I think you are going to be just fine. The only times I have ever been worried is when they call me on the phone and tell me I have severe displaysia and need to come in within the month. Do what the doctor tells you and don't be worried. 80% of sexually active women will go through the same thing as you at some point.

Answer 4

It's not cause for a alarm. It's common for pap tests to show features that make it difficult to interpret, so they want to repeat it in 6 months rather than waiting a year. Many things can make a pap test show mild abnormalities, including the presence of blood and problems with the test itself.

If they had found anything overtly suspicious, you'd have a follow up sooner.

Answer 5

If you're not sure when you got letter tell you. Best thing for you call doctor to find out about your results. They would tell you what is going on with your pap smear. Sound like not normal. It could be cells or what? Just ask your doctor about your results.

Answer 6

probably just one or two abnormal cells on the slide, it really isn't a big deal, we produce such cells all the time, next time there will likely be none, but it is best to play it safe and get one at six months just to be sure.