Pap Results

I have had a few abnormal tests ans when they redid it, it was normal. I hope in this case it is same for you!!

Hi G.,
I know this is a little late as I just signed up today. Last month I had my yearly pap, only to have the Dr. office call me the next week and tell me it was abnormal. They couldn't tell me over the phone why so I went back, I did end up finding out that I have HPV, which was my fear when I found out it was abnormal. You see all of these comercials about it, it is freaky. I do go back next week to have another done, I do hope that everything is ok with you. Take Care!!

I had this happen a couple years ago and it was simply because they didn't get a large enough sample. I went back again and everything was normal. I wish you the best of luck!

Hi G.,

After my first child, I to had an "abnormal pap" result. It ended up being severe displasia. They did a procedure called the "LEEP" procedure, and have had normal paps ever since. That has been a little over 7 years ago. So, cudos to you for actually being responsible enough to get your yearly pap, and finding this out early enough for a relatively simple treatment. Goodluck to you. I hope this helps you feel a little better.

carol floyd

G.,
I recently had my first abnormal pap results. I was twenty six and 5 months pregnant with my daughter, who is now 4 months old. I also knew I had tested positive for the group B strep. I asked my doctor if this could have been the reason for the abnormal pap and she said possibly. Anyway, I had a colposcopy done and everything was normal. My doctor was very surprised and said my abnormal pap was just a fluke. I had another pap done 6 weeks after delivering my daughter and that was normal as well. I, like you was very alarmed and my mind went to the worst case scenario. Especially, because it seems like doctors always feel they have to tell you every single awful thing that it could be. Please don't worry, stay positive and take one day at a time. God bless you.

J. F.

Hi G.-

I actually had this happen some years ago. My pap came back abnormal, but when they did the test again to verify, it came back okay. My doctor told me there were several reasons why it could come back abnormal and most had nothing to do with cancer. I think even a yeast infection could make it abnormal. Try not to worry too much. I hope everything turns out well.

Hi there G.

Don't worry. This is caused from the HPV virus known as genital warts.. That does not mean that you have warts there are over 200 known viruses within this family. I have been dealing with this since I was 18 I am now 27. After many colposcopies ( uncomfortable) I decided to go to a oncologist (specializes in cacer cells) He performed what was called a L.E.E.P procedure. Relativley uncomfortable but bearable. I had normal paps smears from that point in 2001 until just recently in August. I have scheduled another L.E.E.P for the beginning of next year.. Kudos on staying up to date on your annual pap smears. Those are very important in catching this virus. If left untreated could lead to cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor about the best route to go. I will say not to go with the colposcopies cuz you will have to do it 2 times a year the L.E.E.P is as needed. Good luck If you want to know more please don't hesitate to get ahold of me.. I do have a degree in nursing so I can answer any questions that I have knowledge of.

N.

Don't Panic! I am 25 years old and had abnormal paps from 18-23. They diagnosed it as everything (HPV, Dysplasia, etc) but it never actually amounted to anything. When I got pregnant pregnant at 24 I was quite worried about it; My OB said there was no sign that I had ever had anything. It is totally possible that nothing is wrong and when you go for your follow-up it will all come back normal. Trust me, I know how hard it is. I got upset every time the results came back abnormal, but keep your head up!

Abnormal does not necessarily mean cancer. I had one come back abnormal a few years ago and just had a minor infection. The doctor was going to just try letting it clear up on its own since it was so minor, but we decided to use an antibiotic just to be safe. Try not to stress yourself out over it until you know more. Easier said than done, I know. Good luck to you!

~ V.

I have had several abnormal paps and though it was nerve racking, I found out that I have scar tissue. It is probably going to be checked by a colposcopy that just checks for abnormalcy and will probably be something as simple as a mild infection or even scar tissue. My prayers are with you.

I have had a few "abnormal" pap smears over the past few years and it is always no big deal. Seems to be a bigger dal now that they keep talking about HPV having something to do with cervical cancer. Please don't get yourself too worked up yet. Give it time and realize that it could be nothing at all.

-Dren

Hi G.,

Approx. 9 months ago I had an abnormal pap. I was told that it was not cancerous which was a major relief because there is so much cancer that I hear of out here in Tecumseh. I would definately ask your doctor to explain further what the abnormalty is. It may not even be anything to worry to much about.
Good luck.

I have never had it but here's a little info. that might be of interest http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15107841/site/newsweek/
and my Mom has given these to me in capsules the 300MG of Green Tea Extract so I hope that you check it out!!

G., keep your chin up! I am 38 years old and have had "abnormal" paps since I was 18. It always turns out to be nothing serious. I've had pre-cancerous cells, but so has just about everyone I know! It is very common. Try not to get upset until you hear the results. Your doctor should not make you wait more than two days. If he does--get a new doctor.

I had that happen once, too.
One thing that can lead to an "abnormal" is if you had intercourse 48 or less before the exam.
Before you panic, talk to your doctor, return for the follow-up visit, and realize that MOST abnormal results are not a cause for worry. But do get another check-up.

G. -
There is really most likely nothing to worry about - I had the same thing happen several times. It seems to me that the tests are so sensitive that anything can come up 'abnormal'. In my case there were what they called 'pre-cancerous' cells but they cleared up all by themselves...it was definitely alarming but all is well ever since! Rest easy and see what they say - Take care and best wishes to you and your family!

I ACTUALLY HAD 1 PAP SMEAR THAT CAME BACK ABNORMA.-AND LIKE YOU I WAS COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT-I HAD TO GO BACK AND HAVE ANOTHER ONE DONE AND IT CAME BACK FINE..IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO W/ WHERE I WAS IN MY CYCLE..IT COULD BE SOMETHING AS LITTLE AS A YEAST INFECTION.
HOPEFULLY ALL COMES OUT WELL AS DID FOR MYSELF-I WISH YOU LUCK , HOPE FOR THE BEST

You can get an abnormal for a lot of different reasons. For example, if your pap was done too close to your period, it may result in an abnormal. All they will do is have you come in to re-do your pap, usually about 3 months after your last one. I had an abnormal one a few years ago, got retested, and it was nothing. My mom has also had several abnormals and it was never cancer or anything serious. Even though it may be nothing, you should not ignore it. Reschedule the pap smear as they recommend, and get the test done. If it's nothing, you won't have to worry anymore. If it turns out to be something, you'll be able to get the information to be able to treat it right away. Until then, please try not to worry about it. People get abnormals quite often, and it is usually just due to their cycle. When you make your next appointment, try to schedule it when you aren't about to start your period through right after your period. Best wishes.

Hi,
I am 42 yrs old and had an abnormal pap about 10 yrs ago. Your doctor will probably do another one to see what the results are. I had a couple paps done before my doctor said I had precancerous cells. I had laser surgery to remove those cells, and have had normal paps ever since! So, keep in touch with your doctor and follow up with it. A girlfriend of mine had the same experience that I had, and she is also fine today. So, don't worry, just talk with your doctor, and if you think you need a second opinion - get one! Just don't let it go! Take care! T.

Hello,

I had the same thing happen to me. It's actually quited common. The results were skewed and everything was fine.

Hi G.,
There is some wonderful advice listed here, but I think the most important thing you could do today is call and ask for your Ob/Gyn to call you directly and explain what is happening. He or she should be sensitive enough to your concerns to speak to you directly about this. If they are not, consider a new Doc or second opinion if you still feel that you're not getting enough information. Be ready with a list of guestions, pen and paper.
Best of luck!

Sometimes they have you come in for another one to test for a couple different things. I have had 3 friends of mine who had abnormal paps. One friend ended having nothing wrong at all. The other had precancerous cells that were burned off and now everything is normal. And my other friend found out she has HPV. I really dont see you having cervical cancer since 99% of all cervical cancer cases are associated with HPV. Ask your doctor if you have been tested for it. Most likely you have not since you are only 28. HPV is a very common virus that many many women have now a days. Most of the time this virus goes away on its own but sometimes it can lead to cervical problems. Well just make sur you ask your doctor about this to rule it out. If you do have HPV they just give you a pap test more often to watch for precancerous cells. Oh yeah my mom also had an abnormal just recently and found out she had a minor infection that was taken care of with some antibiotics.

Hi G.,
I had an abnormal pap about 7 years ago. It scared me too! But it turned out to be nothing. Apparently the screening for cancer is very sensitive (thank goodness!) but it produces a lot of abnormal results that turn out just fine. Don't panic. Your doctor may want to do a colposcopy. This is the follow up test after an abnormal pap has been detected. Read up on it:
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/cevicalconditions/a/colp...
We are fortunate to live in a time where we can have good health care available, though sometimes it is scary to get a wierd result.
Don't be scared!
-S.

Dear G.,

Please don't get too worked up over an abnormal Pap, especially if you've never had an abnormal one before. It could be something as simple as a a yeast or staph infection, which is cleared up easily with topical or oral medication.

Go back to you doctor as soon as you can and request the usual rundown of tests after an abnormal Pap is noticed. These should include a blood test, but if your doctor doesn't order one, consider getting a second opinion.

Best of luck to you!

G.,

I had an abnormal Pap some years ago, I was 28 as well. I got the same call and my doctor did a biopsy on me the next week. I was worried VERY worried. I was later called in and was told it was nothing. Ironically, I had a coworker that got the same call, she was in her late 20's too, she came to me (knowing I had been through the same thing) I told her what I'm telling you, hers came back ok as well.

I know exactly how you feel but please don't let it worry you, go in let him/her do further testing (usually another Pap or biopsy). My doctor told me most women will have at least one abnormal Pap in their lives and it's usually nothing. So ease your mind.

I'm also had the dreaded "abnormal" pap. So many thoughts ran through my mind and I worried myself sick until my appointment. When I went back all it was, was that my Ph levels were off for some reason (can't remember why). But I really think they should not send something that just says abnormal and then you have to play the waiting game and worry yourself sick. Just pray for the best.

G.,

Like others have said, it happens a lot. Abnormal means a variety of things than "normally" happen! I've had an abnormal result before, too. I've read research articles that say a high percentage of pap results are incorrect!

First of all i can't believe they didn't call you to tell you this. It maybe they just didn't get enough cells or that you were too close to your period, or bled too much when they scraped. Wait and see what the next result is. I hope this helps.
A.

Hi G.,
Don't worry at this point about your abnormal PAP. I've had several come back abnormal, gone for further testing and everything has been completely fine!! Of course, abnomal "PAPs" can be a sign of cancer but please don't fill yourself with worry at this point. Has your Doctor scheduled for a more invasive test?? I'll include you in my prayers!
M.

Don't panic! I have had an abnormal pap also and it turned out to be pre-cancerous, but with a little, virtually pain free procedure, I am fine. I have 2 healthy children and healthy pregnancies since then. Don't panic, chances are things will be fine.
Good luck

I know it is very difficult to do, but don't worry about the "what ifs". The results will be back soon enough and then you can deal with the realities. I had the same thing happen to me and everything came back fine. Your doctor is probably just trying to be on the safe side. The stress will not help your body, mind or spirit - so do whatever you can to not think about it and if you must....Think Positive! You'll be in my prayers.

C.

hi G., ive just recently had a baby and when i had my 6 week check up i also had abnormal test results i known its a little different but i still know what your going through i dont go back till mid november its frustrating it could be nothing my friend also had abnormal test results went back and everything was fine think positive another friend of mine had pre cancerous cells, she had i believe laser surgery to have the cells burned she was in and out in one day but they caught it early and shell be fine just keep yourself checked and whatever it is they caught it early and can take care of it before anything serious happens

G.,

Pap smears has a very high false positive or abnormal rate. Before I had my son, while in college, I think even other test I had came back abnormal. There was never anything wrong. Hopefully, you will get re-tested and everything will be fine. Your doctor should be able to give you more information regarding what could cause the result to be abnormal.

Hi G.-I too have had a "abnormal" pap in the past and don't have cancer. I know that if it's done too close to your period it can come back "abnormal" because the sample is not readable because it is mixed with blood even if you are not still bleeding. Hope this helps. Try not to worry it can be "abnormal" for other reasons too. Take care.
C.

G.,
Dont get upset, sometimes these test come back abnormal. Just have the test done again and ask them to do an even more thorough test this time. I have had this happen to me several times. Dont always think it will be cancer either. it just may be a yeast infection or someother type of infection that may give off results like that.
If u need anymore help just ask I am alwayz around.

L.

G.,
I went through this years ago. It was very scary and I had some pollups removed. It never went any farther and I was told just recently that almost every woman has an abnormal pap at some time in her life. Apparently they have discovered recently that a virus actually is the first stage of cervical cancer and that almost every woman gets this virus at some point. Most women fight it off naturally and it never becomes anything.

So after going through it, I would relax and not worry. After talking to others and hearing the Dr tell me that almost every woman has this at some time, I don't worry until they tell me to.

I hope this helps ease your mind.

Blessings.
M.

G.,
The same thing happened to me after my second son was born. I had an abnormal pap. They proceeded to do a more intensive evaluation where they may take some samples to biopsy (which is an uncomfortable experience). Once those results come back, you'll know more. For now, relax and take it a day at a time. My results came back fine. I needed to have another pap in 6 months and once that one was normal I have gone back to a once a year routine.
Try not to worry too much. Remember that these are screenings and are used as a tool to request closer inspection, not diagnose cancer. My doctor explained to me that all kinds of things can trigger an abnormal pap w/o being cancer. Just wait to worry (I know it's hard). I'll pray for you and the results.
Feel free to respond if you have questions!
A.

Hello, I have had the same thing happen to me a few times. I had to get a more advance "pap" done. I would try not to worry I know better said then done. But get another one. They may have you do a biopsy which is done in their office. It is a little uncomfortable but then you will be sure whats going on.

Take Care A.

Hi, G....

I went through the same thing a few years ago. I was just as panicked. I did have pre-cancerous cells and had to go through a leep procedure. It was uncomfortable--and felt like bad cramps. But honestly, it was no big deal in the end. Thankfully, I haven't had an irregular pap since and the whole experience gave me an appreciation for taking care of myself. Best of luck to you and take it one step at a time.

J.

Hi G.. I just went through having an abnormal pap smear. So I had to get a colposcopy and then a LEEP procedure. And both turned out to be okay. The doc just said to get another pap in 6 months. The LEEP burned off the bad cells. So I wouldn't worry to much. I prayed about it and God answered my prayers. I will pray for you too.

"Abnormal" is actually a pretty normal result. There could be many factors involved. Generally the sample sent in had a few abnormal tissues.
This could happen for several reasons such as: sexual intercourse within the 48 hours of the test, a yeast infection, cancer(although to be honest, if they suspected cancer they would tell you to get in there NOW, not schedule an appointment in a few weeks.), HPV, or even an STD.
I failed my first pap with abnormal results for the intercourse reason. They do a biopsy in a procedure known as colposcopy (big magnifying glass and a liquid that'll change the color of "abnormal cells"). If no abnormal cells show up under this, they don't remove any.
It's a simple procedure, a little uncomfortable for some women, but you can get up and go home immediately after normally.

Good luck!

I've had two abnormal pap results. I was given an antiobiotic for one and it was clear after that. I was told to just come back in a month with the other and it was fine the 2nd time. Sometimes it could be a simple infection or if you had sex recently before your pap it could be from that. Don't worry yet!!!! What does the doctor want you to do? An abnormal pap result isn't uncommon.

Speaking from a clinical point of view, tons of women get this result. I have been told it is the way the lab reads the tests and they are not doing as many tests on it then they used to. Many times the results are not correct. They will probably have you do a series of tests... another pap for several months until they come out normal a few times. This is my experience, but it also depends on your GYN. If it continues to be abnormal definately follow up. It may end up with many results, but being in medicine, things get much better with or without medicine if you have a positive mind frame.

Good luck,
J.

G.,
Don't worry, this happens alot. I know from experience that occasionally someone at the lab messes up the sample and they have to redo the pap. Very common.

E.

Hi G.,

I also have had the "abnormal paps". Mine was found at my 6 week check-up after my son (who is now 5) was born. The doctor explained what it could mean and told me that he wanted to perform a biopsy to make sure all was well. I had the biopsy done, which was not bad at all, just a little crampy. Thankfully all was well, and it went away on its own. I think that it is important to follow up and make sure everything is fine, but I wouldnt get too worked up until you know for sure what the problem (if any) is. I know from experience that it is a very scary situation. But getting too stressed over it could be just as bad. My prayers will be with you.
M.

G.,
I feel your pain. I too have had times when an abnoral pap has come back. Don't panic. I know it is scary but a majority of the time no matter what, it is better to know and deal with it. I did have precancerous cells and they did a simple procedure to remove them. They monitored it for 1 year and everything has been fine ever since that was at least 7 years ago!!! When I first got the call, the nurse did scare me b/c she said the cells were severly abnormal....So just be cautious not to panic and hang in there!!! God Bless

G.,
The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago. I had an abnormal pap and instantly thought "cancer". My doctor wanted me to come back for another pap right away and it came back normal. It could be a number of things that caused an abnormal result, so try to think positive. I'm sure they have you scheduled to come back for another pap soon and hopefully everything will be just fine. Try not to worry; although I know it can be hard. I will be praying that everything is okay for you. You are certainly in my thoughts.
J.

I had an abnormal pap once. I was pregnant for my 2nd child at the time. They redid it to make sure and it came back normal. I went through all the bad scenarios. I thought I had cancer. I thought my baby was going to die or something was wrong with him (he is a very smart 16 month old now). I thought I had hpv. I did with the second test find out that I had Chlamydia which is a very common sexually transmitted disease when you are sexually active. They gave me antibiotics and it went away and never came back. They thought that was the reason it came back abnormal the first time. An abnormal pap doesn't necessarilly mean that it will be anything bad.

I have had this twice ....it does make u a nervous wreck but its more common the more i talk to other people. U will most likely u have to go back and get another PAP just to make sure u even have abnormal cells. Sometimes if its HPV virus which is as common as the common cold the doctor may want u to have a small biopsy to rule out cells that could cause cancer...does not mean u have cancer. they are just being preventative. I know its hard not to worry but try not to think the worst. I know thats easier said then done because i thought the worst

I had an abnormal result last week. I ended up having a bacteria infection and yeast infection. A few meds later I am fine. They should be able to give you some idea over the phone...it depends on the practice.
Please let us know what happens!
Praying for you!

G.,
Dont get too worked up. I also had abnormal cells. They wanted to do a Leep procedure that would burn the cells off the cervic. I waited a few weeks until after my wedding and then had it done. When I came back for a check up, I was about 6 weeks pregnant. That means they did the procedure while I was pregnant. I didnt miss carry and my son is now almost 14 years old. My procedure was just alittle crampy. Didnt have any adnormal ones after that. I think they called it Dysplasia. I did have a hysterectomi 2 years ago do to Endometriois. I recomend it to every woman! Best wishes. Let me know if you have any more questions. Kris

this happened to me in college. it ended up i had some precancerous cells that they lasered off, and i've had no problems since then. i think that was back in 95 and all my results since then have been normal.

however, if they end up lasering some cells off, and you get pregnant again, the scar tissue will have to stretch and break before you dilate. my doctors office didnt tell me that and my labor was pretty bad and went really slow until the scar tissue broke.

good luck!

G., please try not to worry. Definitely follow up on this. But abnormal paps are not uncommon. Usually, they are nothing. 42 years old and I've had my share.

Hang in there. Try not to worry, and just follow up with your OB/Gyn.

Thinking of you.

K.

I wouldn't worry about it too much until you have further tests done. Abnormal pap results can mean something as simple as a yeast infection. I've had abnormal results before and it turned out to be nothing.

First things first....don't worry yourself unnecessarily! I went through this last year. My doctor told me the results were 'abnormal' and that I needed to be checked again in 4 months. I did that, and then 8 months later (at may regularly scheduled annual exam) I had yet another pap. All the tests since the first 'abnormal' one have been fine. Apparently - the time of your last menstruation can affect the cells appearance for the test. Good luck.

I have not personally experienced this but I had a friend who did. When she went in for the surgery, the doctor had to remove more tissue than she had thought and when she did get pregnant, less than a year later, she had to be sewn closed and on bed rest for the last tri-mester. She also had the baby at 32 weeks, her new ob decided that was best for them both. She got pregnant again within the year. She semed ok, but we were not all that close. Not much help but just another story. God Bless. J.

Hi, you shouldn't panic. I once had an abnormal pap and it turned out to be nothing. I think sometimes the test culture picks up things that just make them take another look. Deffinitly doesn't mean you have cancer. Dont worry yourself.

Hi G.,

I have been there, believe me it is a scary thing. But sometimes these things are more of a "triggers" that they look for. In other words, things that aren't really bad now but COULD have potential. I am still here and kicking so don't feel to threatened. I had overly active cervical cells, or in short, the 2nd stage of cervical cancer. A small procedure and my husband at my side and I am ok, that was 2 years ago. It is very un-nerving and scary to go through but as hard as it may sound try to stay calm. Talk to your husband about your emotions and feelings for his support. Through my whole thing my husband was so supportive and sensitive to my scare it was great. He came to all of my appts pertaining to that and was a blessing to me. I hope it isn't anything to serious and wish you the best of luck and in health also. Try to keep your head up and be strong. And keep this in mind, if it was anything that was life threatening, they would call you in imediatly.

I have had abnormal pap results in the past. Actualy, I think for about 5 years they were almost always abnormal. That started when I was younger, probably around 21, 22 or 23 and then finally they continued to be normal. They never really gave a good answer as to why they were abnormal or at least I don't remember now. I know I was concerned about becoming pregnant, but that wasn't an issue (I'm now 35 with two kids). I did have follow up paps...maybe every six months. Sometimes in my follow up I'd have a normal one and then we go back to yearly and then I'd continue with the abnormal ones. I would say for at least the past 6 years or so mine have continued to be normal! I have a cousin who also had abnormal paps for a while too and she just continued with her follow up paps. Just make sure he does a follow up pap and keeps an eye on it. I think this happens to more women than we realize. I would just make sure you have a good doctor you trust and one that will follow up with you every six months or so. I hope this helps ease your worries for now.

J.

I had the same thing happen to me a number of years ago. While it can be truly scary not knowing, try not to worry until you get the follow up test done. My second test came back just fine and was told that abnormal results can come back for numerous reasons besides being cancer.

Hang in there!

S.

G.,

I had the same situation several years ago, everything was fine and then one year I had an abnormal pap. This does not necessarily mean that you have cancer, you can have abnormal cells without it being cancerous. What they did with me is the removed the cells. It was an in office treatment, basically they pinched off (well that is what it felt like anyway) the abnormal cells and told me to rest for a few days. Ever since my paps have came back clear and I have since had a beautiful son so this will not prevent you from having more children. I also have a friend that is going through this right now and they simply prescribed medication for her because they did not feel it was to serious. So try not to panic, I know it is hard not too, and keep in mind if God forbid it is the C word they have caught it in a very early stage and should be able to take care of it with minimal effects. I'll be praying for you as I know it is tough, but things will be fine. Best Wishes.

S.

I know the feeling - I had several abnormals and for a couple of years that was all I received was abnormal results. Just remember it is a screening and anything they find is probably treatable because you are taking care of yourself and getting your test done regularly!

It should be a reminder to anyone who hasn't had their pap done, to go do it!! After my second son was born, I have returned to normal paps.

If you want more info on exactly what mine was, feel free to contact me. I know it's hard to wait it out, but I was so freaked about it too - scary stuff and all is well now!

G.,
I know it's scary to think that something could be wrong, but I really think you should wait to hear the results before you get too upset. The fact that the dr. waited two weeks to even tell you it was abnormal makes me think that it can't be anything serious. I've had an abnormal pap myself, and they did another one and found that is was normal. I'm not sure if the test was faulty or what, but it turned out to be nothing and I have given birth to two perfect children since then. Try to relax about it. Hopefully it all works out okay. Take care! J.

this just happened to me also. i not only had an abnormal test, but was hpv positive. i have to just have tests every six months...just look at it as a precaution! you stay on top of everything, and talk to your doctor. i hope all works out, im sure it will!