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nlmomma23 nlmomma2...
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Abnormal Pap test results, Anyone have the same experience?

My doctor called me yesterday to tell me that my pap test came back, I've had pap tests every 6 months for the past 3 years but didn't make it to my last test in April because I was out of the province, so I went last month.

Theres been abnormal cells on all my other tests but now my doctor is sending me to a Gyno because he said that their concerned about the Squamous Cells, I was kinda too nervous to ask questions but he did mention a test that I'm going to have to have he said its like a pap test but with mircoscopes!

I have no idea what any of this is, never been to a Gyno, and never heard about half this stuff! Has anyone already been through the same experience?

I have no clue when my apt is, just waiting for them to call but it could be a couple months.......I'm 25 years old, with a 3 year old and pretty stressed out right now, I know it doesn't help to stress and my husband tells me not to worry about it but I can't help it, I just need to know stuff!

Does anyone know what is gonna go on now?
  • 3 months ago

Additional Details

The doctor mentioned a test called a Colopscopy, something about a pap test with a microscope.......

3 months ago

My family doctor does alot of the stuff a gyno does, where I live you dont go to a gyno unless referred, My doctor does Pap Tests, delivers babies, and takes care of u while your pregnant right up to delivery.

3 months ago

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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You have nothing to stress about at this point. Just relax. Plenty of women have shared your experience and have never advanced to higher grades of cervical dysplasia (the grade of squamous cells). The site below explains it all really well from a gynecology perspective. Bookmark the site, after your appointment it will help you figure out what exactly your doctor was talking about. The site covers various squamous cell grading systems so you can look up your grade with the terminology your doctor uses, since different doctor use different systems.

Many women at some point receive an abnormal pap smear. Sometimes the abnormal pap results is just the result of confusion on the test and sometimes it is the result of cell changes on the cervix that you will want to keep an eye on. There are various grades of cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells on the cervix) which may be numbered or go by different class systems. For example, grade one cervical dysplasia is very minor, known as low grade cervical dysplasia and most often returns to no dysplasia within a year. Then there are moderate levels of dysplasia, graded as 2 or 3 and high levels of dysplasia, graded as 3 or 4 which is unlikely to return to normal without treatment and could develop into cancer.

Anyone who has had a confirmed case of low grade cervical dysplasia just requires checkups and biopsies 1-2 times a year to keep track of any changes. More than 80% of women who receive abnormal pap test results never progress beyond low grade cervical dysplasia. When you have moderate dysplasia it's a good idea to consider treatment options to prevent the dysplasia from progressing. Ask your gynecologist to explain the statistics of progression, it will put everything into perspective. Also realize that it takes a very long time for cervical dysplasia to progress, particularly low-grade, so it's fine to have checkups only 1-2 times a year since you won't see many changed during that window.

I was one of the unfortunate few who had low grade cervical dysplasia actually progress into moderate dysplasia, then high grade dysplasia, then class 4, known as carcinoma-in-situ (cancer in waiting). Most people would opt for surgical intervention before this point, which I would recommend. I had avoided the surgery for various reasons involving a high level of optimism and a lack of understanding and knowledge, but in hindsight I would have taken care of the problem at a moderate stage.

Your gynecologist will most likely perform a cervical biopsy which will be used to examine the cells under a microscope. If there are significant changes you will be contacted. Otherwise, you will be given an update at your next appointment, probably in 6-12 months. A cervical biopsy involves a splash of vinegar on the cervix, which can sting a little, and a small section of the cervix will be scraped and examined. You will probably experience light bleeding for 1-3 days, and cervical tenderness. You're not advised to avoid sex, but I find it's a few days before I feel comfortable enough to. The key to making a cervical biopsy relatively pleasant is to relax. I'm incredibly uncomfortable in a doctor's chair and with my legs in stirrups and find afterwards I leave feeling somewhat violated and sore from all the stress I cause myself. Just relax, it's not that bad, and stressing only makes it worse.

Time isn't going to do you any harm, but it will give you time to do research. Research that will allow you to come into your appointment confident and knowledgeable, prepared with all the right questions.

Best of luck! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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  • 3 months ago
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5 out of 5
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Thank you so much!!

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Other Answers (3)

  • Kathie O by Kathie O
    Member since:
    September 22, 2008
    Total points:
    39 (Level 1)
    Well, I had experience with this, an abnormal pap smear could be the beginning signs of cervical cancer. The ob/gyn will probably do a test called conization (spelling) this will scrape the are in question to do a biopsy. This will tell you if it is nothing or something to move forward and take care of...Good luck to you....
    • 3 months ago
  • MommyLynn19 by MommyLyn...
    Member since:
    November 22, 2009
    Total points:
    551 (Level 2)
    Well... it could just be some type of infection.
    My cousin (shes 17) was just diagnosed with cervical cancer due to HPV. HPV is contracted from men who have slept with MANY women. It does not effect the man, but if the woman contracts it, it can cause cervical cancer. Her pap came back abnormal and it turned out to be cervical cancer. HPV can take up to 3 years to show up. It could be anything though. Just..... wait............
    You have a 3 year old and you never been to a gyno? lol... hmmm idk.
    but really, make an appointment at an obgyn's office and get it check QUICK so you can take care of whatever it is. Good luck girl. hope that helps.
    • 3 months ago
  • Rain by Rain
    Member since:
    May 08, 2009
    Total points:
    2212 (Level 3)
    Yes, I think I know exactly what your talking about. I just had the procedure done today in fact. It's called a colposcopy. They take a camera and stick it up in you so they can get a good look at your cervix. Then they put vinegar on it to see how the cells react. Whatever area turns white are the abnormal cells. They take a sample of it called a biopsy and see it away to a lab. Takes about two weeks to get the results. But they can tell from the procedure how bad it is. Usually there is mild abnormal cells, moderate and severe. I'm the same age as you to by the way. You should be fine because your taking care of it before it becomes a serious problem.
    • 3 months ago

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