When your Pap smear is positive

« Previous | 1 of 1 | Next »

The likely culprits

About 3 to 5 percent of women experience an abnormal Pap smear -- a test for cervical cancer -- at some point in their lives. Cervical cancer is the most unlikely cause; in fact, everything from a yeast infection to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, can result in an abnormal Pap smear. Here are possible reasons for an abnormal Pap smear and the latest treatments: --Deborah Pike Olsen

Type of abnormality:	What it means:	Treatment:
Atypical squamous cells of unknown significance (ASCUS)	Your Pap smear wasn't completely normal, but did not meet diagnostic criteria for a lesion.	Your doctor has three options: repeat your Pap test in three to six months, test you for HPV or perform a colposcopy, a visual inspection of the cervix.
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)	You have a precancerous lesion caused by HPV.	More than half of these lesions disappear on their own within 24 months. Still, your doctor should perform a colposcopy.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL)	You have a more serious precancerous lesion caused by HPV.	Your doctor will remove tissue or destroy the abnormal cells. A biopsy is taken to rule out cancer. This treatment is typically effective.
Atypical glandular cells	You may have a precancerous condition or cancer of the cervix or uterus. This represents less than 10% of abnormal Pap smears.	A colposcopy is performed, and a biopsy is taken. In premenopausal women with a negative biopsy, Pap smears are repeated every three months.
Adenocarcinoma	You have cervical cancer.	In early stages, removal of cervix and possibly uterus; for advanced cancers, removal of both, plus radiation.

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say “Yes” to Ladies' Home Journal® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE - 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Ladies' Home Journal® Family Favorites Cookbook ABSOLUTELY FREE!