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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can A Pap Smear Be Positive After A Colposcopy Two Years Back?


If my pap smear was positive had colposcopy, then it was neg for over two years now it is positive again, how can this be . I have been with the same person. I thought if I cleared the job it would be gone and not come back if I was with the same person. Age 29'
Fri, 10 Jan 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
It is possible to have a positive Pap test after being negative for long time or it is possible for the test to be positive again after being negative for a long time.
This is where lies the importance of Pap test.
It can detect abnormal cells when no other symptom of disease is present.
At this stage the abnormal cells can be removed by simple techniques like curettage or biopsy.
Abnormal cells appear on the Pap test due to infection with human papilloma virus (HPV).
Infection once acquired will produce disease or abnormal cells long after a long period of time.
Having multiple partners is a risk factor for acquiring HPV infection but having single partner does not protect one 100% from having the infection.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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How Can A Pap Smear Be Positive After A Colposcopy Two Years Back?

Hello and welcome to HCM, It is possible to have a positive Pap test after being negative for long time or it is possible for the test to be positive again after being negative for a long time. This is where lies the importance of Pap test. It can detect abnormal cells when no other symptom of disease is present. At this stage the abnormal cells can be removed by simple techniques like curettage or biopsy. Abnormal cells appear on the Pap test due to infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Infection once acquired will produce disease or abnormal cells long after a long period of time. Having multiple partners is a risk factor for acquiring HPV infection but having single partner does not protect one 100% from having the infection. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal