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What Does Pap Smear Showing Endometrial Cells Indicate?
Question: I am perimenapause all, 53 years old. Recent Pap smear came back negative but they told me there were endometrial cells. I had pap done on day 11 of cycle. This was Physicians Assistant who called me and said the Dr had not looked at results yet. She said she was calling me due to me being over 40, that it is protocol. She said above can be normal for woman who are still menstruating.
Brief Answer:
Not a complete answer from your Provider
Detailed Answer:
It is not typical to get back a pap smear that shows "endometrial cells present". While it is possible that it is "normal" in that the pap was done too far into the cervix, when this result is present, the Provider who obtained the pap smear should ask themselves the following questions:
1. Is this patient at risk for pre-cancerous or cancerous changes of the uterus (abnormal bleeding, older age)
2. Was there any concern at the time of the exam
My opinion is that any woman who at the age of 53 has endometrial cells present AND is still having her cycles should return to their doctor and have a formal sampling of the uterine lining performed. This is called an 'endometrial biopsy' and is very simple to do. This would rule out any concerns about uterine cancerous changes that might lead to the finding above on your pap smear.
Finally, I think it is inappropriate for the PA to call you with an abnormal result - and state that the doctor has not even looked at it - why would she call you before getting the opinion of the supervising doctor. It makes no sense and is a form of low quality care and communication and it drives me crazy.
Please let me know if this helps and if you have additional questions!
Not a complete answer from your Provider
Detailed Answer:
It is not typical to get back a pap smear that shows "endometrial cells present". While it is possible that it is "normal" in that the pap was done too far into the cervix, when this result is present, the Provider who obtained the pap smear should ask themselves the following questions:
1. Is this patient at risk for pre-cancerous or cancerous changes of the uterus (abnormal bleeding, older age)
2. Was there any concern at the time of the exam
My opinion is that any woman who at the age of 53 has endometrial cells present AND is still having her cycles should return to their doctor and have a formal sampling of the uterine lining performed. This is called an 'endometrial biopsy' and is very simple to do. This would rule out any concerns about uterine cancerous changes that might lead to the finding above on your pap smear.
Finally, I think it is inappropriate for the PA to call you with an abnormal result - and state that the doctor has not even looked at it - why would she call you before getting the opinion of the supervising doctor. It makes no sense and is a form of low quality care and communication and it drives me crazy.
Please let me know if this helps and if you have additional questions!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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