Women tend to panic when they find out that their Pap smear test has turned out to be abnormal. Although an abnormal Pap smear result must be considered seriously, it is equally important to understand that every abnormal Pap smear is not due to cervical cancer.
The test results of a Pap smear are often correlated with your clinical signs and symptoms and also followed by a separate set of tests to reach a definitive diagnosis. This article will let you know what a Pap smear test is, interpreting a normal and abnormal Pap smear result and can a yeast infection can cause an abnormal Pap smear.
A Pap smear test also called as the Papanicolaou smear test. It is the most widely used cervical cancer screening tool is which is done to check for changes in cells of the cervix and the vagina.
A Pap smear is the microscopic examination of cells obtained by scraping the cervix, in order to detect cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix. It is generally done as a routine examination in women belonging to the reproductive age group.
An abnormal Pap smear test means that the cells of cervix or vagina appear to be different from normal cells. Nearly all abnormal Pap smear tests are caused due to human Papilloma virus (HPV) infection. There are more than 100 types of human Papilloma viruses that can cause infection.
If the Pap smear test shows abnormal changes due to human Papilloma virus (HPV) infection, there is a great likelihood that the infection will clear up by itself without any specific treatment.
Presence of abnormal cells in the cervix or vagina does not show any specific signs and symptoms. Yet, there are some signs and symptoms due to which you may need to undergo a Pap smear test, such as
If you have had an abnormal Pap smear result, the following terms may be used to indicate the type of cells found in an abnormal Pap:
Flat thin cells which are not typical of any vaginal or cervical lesion. Finding these cells in a Pap smear is less likely due to cancer
These cell changes can be low-grade or high-grade and define the possibility of pre-cancerous changes and how quickly the changes can progress to cancerous changes
These cells are found at the opening of the cervix. Presence of a typical cell on a Pap smear requires further evaluation to rule out the possibility of cervical cancer
Presence of these cells is diagnostic of cervical cancer.
Yeast is not a cause of cervical cancer, then how is it possible for a yeast infection to cause an abnormal Pap smear test?
The answer is, yeast infection causes atypical squamous cells to appear on a Pap smear making the test results seem abnormal. These cells are often classified into the first category of abnormal cells, which are atypical squamous cells of undetermined origin.
An abnormal Pap smear test does not necessarily indicate cervical cancer or a pre-cancerous state. However, it does mean that you need further evaluation to understand the cause behind an abnormal Pap smear result.
Some of the possible causes for an abnormal Pap smear other than Human Papillomavirus Infection include
Fungal infection of the vagina by Candida is one of the commonest causes for an abnormal Pap smear test besides Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Vaginal yeast infection is the commonest type of vaginal infections.
Vaginal yeast infection is often mild but may also become severe if left untreated or if not treated appropriately. Signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are
Once you receive an abnormal Pap smear test result, it is followed by a different set of blood tests or radiological tests for further evaluation. This is because the Pap smear test is simply a screening tool for cervical cancer and not a diagnostic test.
The physician takes a closer look at the cervix and vagina for changes in squamous cells with the help of an instrument called colposcopy. Colposcopy may also have to be followed by a biopsy to reach a definitive diagnosis for the exact cause of an abnormal Pap smear.
A specific test for human Papilloma virus (HPV) helps to understand the exact presence or absence of HPV infection
A Pap smear may have to be repeated after 6-12 months or as required and advised by the gynecologist.
As it is evident from the details mentioned above, it is quite obvious that an abnormal Pap smear test result may not necessarily be present due to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It can also occur due to several other causes.
However, an abnormal Pap smear needs to be correlated with presenting history and related signs and symptoms.
Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.
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