First don’t panic. We’ll explain an abnormal test means there are cells in your cervix that don’t appear to be normal healthy cells. Just how abnormal they are varies.
Mild Changes
If an abnormal growth is confirmed and is mild, we may simply watch you closely over time. HPV testing may also be done to see if the problem is caused by HPV infection. You should have repeat Pap and HPV tests to see if the changed cells return to normal. HPV can cause cervical cancer and the test is used to find signs of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the cells of the cervix.
Large Number of Abnormal Cells
The higher numbers mean a larger number of more seriously abnormal cells. These changes may be due to a number of factors. The factors may include an infection, inflammation, pre cancer, or cancer. The next step is a colposcopy. This is a procedure using a special magnifying scope to closely examine the cervix. Or you may have a biopsy. This removes more tissue to be checked for abnormal cells.
In most cases, precancer can be treated in our office or in a hospital as an outpatient where you go home the same day. It is rare a major surgery such as a hysterectomy is needed for pre cancer of the cervix.