A pap smear is a gynecological tool used to detect cancer of the cervix. Women over the age of 18 should have regular pap smears, as should anyone younger but sexually active. A pap smear is a screening tool; if there is an abnormal result, other steps would be taken to actually develop a diagnosis. The abnormal pap smear results are discussed in this article.
Identification
Pap smear test results are listed under five classes. These classes rate from Class 1 (normal) to Class 5 (cancer, invasive). Class 2 means there are some atypical cells. Class 3 suggests pre-cancer or dysplasia. Class 4 means that there is high grad dysplasia or non-invasive cancer. In all the results except class one and sometimes two, the doctor will perform a colposcopy, which is a way to look closely at the cervix and possibly get a tissue sample of the abnormal area.
Types
While there are the five classes, you may also encounter other terms on an abnormal pap lab result. An ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) result is one abnormal pap result. While it has a bizarre name, it is only considered mildly abnormal. Many of ASCUS results are due to minor infections or inflammations, but can also be caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. These infections and viruses cannot be specified by a pap test, so further evaluation will take place upon receiving the abnormal pap result. Another result you may see on a lab report is benign cellular changes. This result is usually due to such infections as trichomonas or herpes simplex. You could also come across the term "reactive cellular change." This is usually associated with radiation, inflammation or the use of an IUD.
Misconceptions
It is important to know what pap smears do not detect, in addition to what they are used for. Pap smears will not be useful in diagnosing other cancers such as uterine, ovarian or fallopian. Pap smears are actually never a diagnostic device; they are a screening tool.
Benefits
It is interesting to note that the pap smear is the only screening test for cancer available today that has shown to actually cause a drop in cancer and death due to that cancer. It is a quick, relatively painless procedure that can not only help diagnose cancer, but can allow doctors to detect the presence of other conditions that could lead to cancer if not treated. There is a newer pap test (the Papnet) that is even better at early detection and will eventually have widespread use.
Warning
Women avoid getting pap smears for many reasons, but there is no reason good enough that it trumps the fact that you could be saving your life. If you do choose to get one and then hear that it is abnormal, it can be nerve-racking. It is important for you to remember that the majority of abnormal results are not cancer. The more informed you are, the more able you will be to fight anxiety and work with your doctor to maintain your health.
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