Abnormal Cell in Pap Smear
The detection of an abnormal cell in Pap smear may suggest various conditions. Pap smear is a simple test widely used for revealing precancerous lesions in the cervical tissue. In addition, Pap smear allows detecting the presence of different viruses and bacteria and assessing the condition of the cervix. It should be mentioned that an exact diagnosis is made through supplementary diagnostic procedures since Pap test can only detect a disease.
The result of Pap smear may be false if it is taken in period of menses, or if cervical inflammation is present. In these cases, an abnormal cell in Pap smear may be missed because the smear is difficult to analyze. Moreover, in order to assure the exactitude of the test it is recommended to refrain from sexual contacts and vaginal use of medications before having Pap smear.
Cytological analysis of cervical smear is intended to assess shape, size and number of collected cells. If Pap smear is negative for abnormalities, the woman is in good health. Negative result means that no abnormal cell in Pap smear is found and the size and shape of all cells are within limits of norm. Cells are considered to be abnormal if they have some changes in size and shape or cellular structures.
The presence of an abnormal cell in Pap smear is not necessarily indicative of cancer of the cervix. Abnormalities may appear due to inflammatory process caused by different microorganisms such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma or trichomonas. Pap smear most often reverts to normal after an appropriate treatment for the causes of inflammation is performed.
If the analysis shows an abnormal cell in Pap smear, it may be suggestive of a precancerous condition called cervical dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). There are three stages of dysplasia: mild (CIN 1), moderate (CIN 2) and severe (CIN 3). CIN 1 is not a very dangerous condition and in many cases doctors prescribe to perform a repeated Pap smear within several months without special treatment. CIN 1 tends to regress on its own. However, in case CIN 1 persists and is detected during repeated Pap smear, the patient is usually referred for colposcopic examination and testing for HPV.
If Pap smear test suggests the presence of CIN 2 or CIN 3, patient should undergo colposcopy with biopsy. Biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue for laboratory analysis in order to better evaluate cervical lesions and establish a definite diagnosis. In case an abnormal cell in Pap smear is detected and colposcopy and biopsy diagnose CIN 3, it may be necessary to remove cervical lesions by surgical procedure.
