What can a gynecologist tell from a Pap smear?

However, the Pap smear test used to look for abnormal cells in the cervix, while the cervical screening test looks for HPV

HPV
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection which usually shows no symptoms and goes away by itself, but can sometimes cause serious illness. HPV is responsible for: almost all cases of genital warts and cervical cancer. 90% of anal cancers.
https://www.cancer.org.au › what-is-hpv
infection. The new test for HPV can identify women who could be at risk of cervical cancer earlier than the Pap test could.

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What problems can a Pap smear detect?

The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

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What do gynecologist check during a female's Pap smear?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure.

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What is usually diagnosed with a Pap smear?

The Pap test is a screening tool that can help detect abnormal cells on your cervix. This early detection can be important in stopping precancerous cells from progressing to cervical cancer. "Cervical cancer, if caught early, is highly treatable. And that's why engaging in routine screening is very important," says Dr.

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Can a Pap smear detect everything?

No. A Pap test can't reliably detect ovarian cancer. A Pap test is a procedure that involves collecting cells from your cervix and examining them under a microscope. A Pap test can detect cervical cancer and changes in your cervical cells that may increase your risk of cervical cancer in the future.

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Gynecologist reveals everything you need to know about your first appointment

22 related questions found

Can they detect and STD from a Pap smear?

A Pap smear can't detect STIs. To test for infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a swab from your cervix. Blood tests can also identify certain STIs.

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Will a Pap smear detect ovarian cysts?

Your doctor will often discover an ovarian cyst during your annual pap smear. However, if you make an appointment for pelvic pain, your doctor will perform an internal and external pelvic exam to feel for cysts.

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What test is done after a Pap smear?

HPV test results show whether high-risk HPV types were found in cervical cells. An HPV test will come back as a negative test result or a positive test result. Negative HPV test result: High-risk HPV was not found. You should have the next test in 5 years.

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What happens if Pap smear is abnormal?

Once abnormal cells are identified, your doctor performs a biopsy, taking a small amount of tissue for testing. You'll feel a pinch, nothing more. Then, your cells are off to the lab for analysis. You might experience some mild cramping after colposcopy, but that's it.

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How long does it take to get back results from a Pap smear?

Pap smear test results typically take four to five days to come back from the lab. In most cases, Pap results are normal. If so, you can expect to have another test in about three years. If your results are abnormal, you will receive a call from our team to set an appointment to confer with Dr.

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What are the five categories of Pap smear abnormalities?

There are five main categories of abnormal Pap smear results within the Bethesda system:
  • Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). ...
  • Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). ...
  • Atypical squamous cells that may or may not be HSIL (ASC-H). ...
  • Atypical glandular cells (AGC). ...
  • Cancer.

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Should I be worried about my Pap smear results?

There's no need to panic

When you hear that your Pap smear results were abnormal, you might feel some anxiety. Although worry is a common and normal reaction, it's important to know that your test results merely showed that you have an infection or unusual cells known as dysplasia. None of this means you have cancer.

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What is the most common abnormal Pap smear?

ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap test result. ASC-US stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells that make up the tissue that covers the cervix. LSIL—This means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal.

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Can a doctor see abnormal cells on cervix?

Abnormalities tend to occur at the opening of the cervix to the birth canal, where it enters the womb. A colposcopy allows a doctor or trained nurse to find these abnormalities. In some women, the presence of 'abnormal cells' carries the risk of developing cervical cancer.

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Can Pap smear detect infection?

Pap smear also helps in detecting or at least gives a clue to the presence of STIs such as trichomoniasis, Candida, Actinomyces, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

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What are symptoms of HPV in females?

Most people with HPV do not know they have the infection. They never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening).

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What should you avoid after a Pap smear?

Avoid sex and don't use a tampon in the two to three days following a Pap smear if you're experiencing bleeding. The additional pressure may cause bleeding to start again or become heavier.

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What are the early warning signs of ovarian cyst?

Most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and go away on their own. But a large ovarian cyst can cause: Pelvic pain that may come and go. You may feel a dull ache or a sharp pain in the area below your bellybutton toward one side.

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Can Pap smear detect fibroids?

A Pap smear is a test that looks for unusual cell changes on your cervix. It is typically performed alongside a routine pelvic exam. Although a Pap smear itself can not diagnose fibroids, they can often be detected by your doctor when performing one.

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What are the symptoms of a cancerous ovarian cyst?

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling.
  • Quickly feeling full when eating.
  • Weight loss.
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area.
  • Fatigue.
  • Back pain.
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.
  • A frequent need to urinate.

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Does a Pap smear test for BV?

In the present study, conventional Pap smear demonstrates good accuracy to detect BV. Pap testing for cervical cancer screening can additionally serve as an effective screening tool for diagnosing BV among women with genital infection in healthcare settings.

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Can a doctor look and see if you chlamydia by doing a Pap smear?

A Pap smear test will not be able to detect chlamydia. Doctors use a Pap smear test to identify abnormal cells around the cervix that might become cancerous. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, located at the end of the vaginal opening.

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Can a doctor tell if you have an STD from a pelvic exam?

And unless you have genital warts or a sore outbreak, your gynecologist won't know from a pelvic exam or a pap test that you have an STD. This means that if you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, you'll have to ask for a screening.

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What cancers show up in a Pap smear?

The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancer except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

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Why would you be called back after a smear test?

Your results letter will explain what was tested for and what your results mean. Sometimes you'll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This does not mean there's anything wrong, it's because the results were unclear. This is sometimes called an inadequate result.

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