Reason for Abnormal Pap Smear

There exists a variety of conditions which can be the reason for abnormal Pap smear. Pap smear is a cytological examination of cervical cells and it can determine the presence of atypical transformations in the cells triggered by infectious agents, use of medications, intercourse, traumas and other factors. It may happen that during this test cytologist misses some abnormalities, or, on the contrary, it may falsely determine the presence of soem disease, i.e. the results of this tests are not exact in absolutely all cases. For this reason, the results of Pap smear frequently need to be confirmed by other diagnostic methods.

When Pap smear result indicates that there are some abnormalities on the cervix, it does not necessarily mean a dangerous disease. For determining the reason of abnormal Pap smear gynecologists may perform special tests such as colposcopy, biopsy, screening for sexually transmitted infections etc. These diagnostic procedures help health care providers to determine an adequate management for patients with abnormal results. Patients should undergo all procedures prescribed by the specialist.

Sometimes the reason for abnormal Pap smear is unknown even when all tests are performed. During cytological analysis, cells may have unusual appearance, but they have no specific signs of some pathology. If the cause of cellular changes is undefined Pap smear result is ASCUS. Very frequently such atypical cells are discovered in women who had used vaginally some medication or had sexual contacts before Pap smear. In some cases it may be related to initial dysplastic changes of the cervical tissue.

Genital infectious diseases are another reason for abnormal Pap smear. Genital infections frequently develop without external signs, but they may also cause abnormal bleeding or discharges from vagina, burning, pain and itching in genital area. One of the most common genital infections is human papilloma virus which is known to be responsible for different kinds of warts as well as for cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.

Starting from the results of all diagnostic tests the doctor chooses an appropriate way to treat the patient. It is possible that abnormal cells will go away by themselves within some period of time. Many women have just repeated Pap smears after they get an abnormal result and do not receive any treatment. If the detected cervical condition is dangerous for the woman’s health, the doctor will prescribe necessary therapeutic procedures which may include surgical methods of treatment. It is very important to identify the reason for abnormal Pap smear for an appropriate management of patients.