A Pap test, or PAP smear, is part of a routine physical exam for women. Most women have their first Pap smear done as part of a pelvic exam when they become sexually active or at about age 21. Generally, Pap smears are recommended yearly if the results are normal.
Infection
Sometimes the results of a Pap smear are not normal due to a simple infection. The infection is then treated and the patient is retested. If the treatment has been successful, the infection is gone and the resulting test is normal. It is possible to have an infection and not know it.
Atypical Squamos Cells
If the test results indicate Atypical Squamous Cells, it is likely that additional tests will be performed to determine if the patient has the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). For patients over 21, the lab will perform a test called HPV DNA. This determines if the patient is positive for one of the many types of HPV that may later cause serious cervical disease. When the HPV DNA test is positive, patients generally are given a colposcopy, which is an exam that utilizes a high powered microscope.
Low Grade Squamous Intrapthelial Lesion (LSIL)
When the result of the Pap smear is Low Grade Squamous Intrapthelial Lesion (LSIL), the patient has been infected with HPV. The health care practitioner will determine what type of follow up is needed.
High Grade Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL)
More serious than low grade changes in the cervix, these results (HSIL) leave a patient at risk for cancer at a later time. The health care provider will provide a treatment plan in an attempt to prevent the cancer from occurring at all.
Atypical Glandular Cells (AGC)
If the result indicates there are changes in the glandular cervical cells (AGC), the patient is usually given a further exam including a colposcopy.
Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs when the abnormal cells spread. If the test results of the Pap smear indicate cancer, the patient is likely to be referred to a gynecologist that specializes in patients with cancer. Early detection increases the patient's ability to get treatment and remain healthy.
Tags: Grade Squamous, Grade Squamous Intrapthelial, health care, Intrapthelial Lesion, Intrapthelial Lesion LSIL
