What percentage of abnormal Pap smears are cancer?
Abnormal Pap tests are very common. In fact, of the 3 million women with abnormal Pap tests each year, less than 1% (13,240 cases) will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
What does high grade abnormal Pap smear mean?
High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) means that there are moderately or severely abnormal cervical cells that could become cancer in the future if not treated. Your health care provider will likely ask you to come back for a colposcopy.
When should I be worried about an abnormal Pap smear?
If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Does having an abnormal Pap mean HPV?
Abnormal Pap Smears are typically caused by strains of the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV. An abnormal pap smear result does not mean you have cervical cancer. High risk strains can cause more serious cellular changes. Typically, both high and low risk strains of HPV go away within 24 months.
Why did my Pap smear come back abnormal?
Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.
Does HSIL mean I have HPV?
HSIL is a squamous cell abnormality associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Though not all HSIL will progress to cancer, HSIL is considered to be a precancerous lesion and therefore is usually treated aggressively.
Should I be worried about HSIL?
HSIL suggests more serious changes in the cervix than LSIL. It is more likely than LSIL to be associated with pre-cancer and cancer. ASC-H means that changes in the cervical cells have been found that raise concern for the presence of HSIL.
What are the reasons for an abnormal Pap smear?
Sexually Transmitted Infections. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections,affecting about 75% of sexually active people.
What to expect after an abnormal Pap smear?
Call your doctor if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, vaginal discharge or itching after a Pap test. The test results should be back in 1-2 weeks and call if you have not heard the results in 2 weeks.
What does an abnormal Pap smear result mean?
Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) is another common abnormal Pap smear result. Squamous intraepithelial lesions are squamous cells that have been changed in a way that suggests they may eventually become cancerous. This, however, does not mean they will become cancerous. Even without treatment, many cases of SIL will resolve on their own.