What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a routine test performed by Dr. Giles to determine whether you have cervical cancer. Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should get a Pap smear every three years.
During a Pap smear, Dr. Giles inserts a small spatula or brush into your vagina to gently collect cells from your cervix. Most women don’t feel the procedure while some may experience mild cramping as the cervix is brushed.
The collected cells are placed on a glass slide or in a bottle and sent to a laboratory for cancer testing. If you have an abnormal Pap smear result, someone from the medical team calls you to discuss follow-up procedures.
If you’re sexually active, Dr. Giles also checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STDs.
Is an abnormal Pap smear cancer?
Abnormal Pap smear results indicate unusual or abnormal cells found on your cervix, but it doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Unusual and abnormal cells can be noncancerous, precancerous, or cancerous.
Dr. Giles discusses your Pap smear results with you and explains your next steps based on the type of abnormal or unusual cells you have.
How is an abnormal Pap smear treated?
The medical team at Wendy S. Giles, MD, FACOG, suggests a repeat Pap test if you’ve had a single abnormal Pap smear. If your Pap smear is abnormal and you test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, a colposcopy is scheduled.
A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that uses a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope to see the tissues of your cervix. A small sample of tissue is taken from your cervix to analyze and determine your risk for cervical cancer or if you already have cancer.
Should you have cervical cancer, Dr. Giles discusses treatment options and addresses your concerns. Cervical cancer treatments range from radiation and chemotherapy to surgery.
If it’s been more than three years since you’ve had a Pap smear, give the practice a call or schedule an appointment online. If you’ve already had an abnormal Pap smear and are seeking medical information you can trust, call Wendy S. Giles, MD, FACOG, for a consultation today.
