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What Do The Pap Smear And HPV Combination Test Used For?
Question: I had a pap smear in December that came back abnormal but negative for hpv the doctor scheduled me for a follow up in XXXXXXX but im curious what it could be expec
What it could be and what to expect I'm sexually active 2 different partners in the last 4 years and only given birth once 3 years ago
What it could be and what to expect I'm sexually active 2 different partners in the last 4 years and only given birth once 3 years ago
Brief Answer:
There are a few different non-HPV related abnormal pap reaukts
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
As you know, the Pap smear and HPV test are used in combination to screen for cervical cancer. The appearance of the cervical cells under the microscope is called cytology and is one component of the Pap result. If the cells do not look normal, but do not obviously look like dysplasia (precancerous) they are generally designated as atypical cells of unknown significance, called ASCUS for short. If a woman has an ASCUS Pap test and she is HPV positive, colposcopy and cervical biopsy are recommended. However, in your case, with a negative HPV test the cells can look abnormal from any number of sources including vaginal infections, inflammation, and even cells close to the time of menstruation.
None of these cell "abnormalities" are of any health risk to you, and normally it is recommended to repeat the Pap and HPV test in one year. If you have or develop symptoms of a vaginal infection, you should let your doctor know so you may be treated before your Pap smear is repeated.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information is helpful to you. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
There are a few different non-HPV related abnormal pap reaukts
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
As you know, the Pap smear and HPV test are used in combination to screen for cervical cancer. The appearance of the cervical cells under the microscope is called cytology and is one component of the Pap result. If the cells do not look normal, but do not obviously look like dysplasia (precancerous) they are generally designated as atypical cells of unknown significance, called ASCUS for short. If a woman has an ASCUS Pap test and she is HPV positive, colposcopy and cervical biopsy are recommended. However, in your case, with a negative HPV test the cells can look abnormal from any number of sources including vaginal infections, inflammation, and even cells close to the time of menstruation.
None of these cell "abnormalities" are of any health risk to you, and normally it is recommended to repeat the Pap and HPV test in one year. If you have or develop symptoms of a vaginal infection, you should let your doctor know so you may be treated before your Pap smear is repeated.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information is helpful to you. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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