If you have a loved one with bipolar disorder, you want to be supportive — and in fact, your support can play a key role in their health. But giving that support can be challenging sometimes. Here are six tips that can help.
You had your routine Pap smear (good for you), and the results showed abnormalities. So, now what? First of all, there’s no need to panic. Chances are, you’ll be just fine, as long as you follow through with your doctor’s recommendations. Depending on the specifics of your Pap test results, your doctor may recommend one of several options, from simple monitoring to additional tests.
Here at Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Melita Tate offers full-service women’s health examinations, which include Pap smears. Read on to learn more about what to expect after you receive an abnormal Pap smear result.
It can feel scary to get abnormal results from the test used to screen for cervical cancer. However, that doesn’t actually mean you have cancer. An abnormal Pap smear just means that some of your cervical cells are not typical. Most likely, any abnormalities were caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) — the most common sexually transmitted disease, which most adults acquire at some point.
Depending on the type of abnormal cells shown in your Pap smear results, your provider may recommend additional tests. If the cells appear to be related to HPV, you might need a colposcopy, which is a test that provides a magnified view of your cervix, vulva, and vagina for closer inspection. A colposcopy can detect precancerous lesions, meaning it can help stop cancer before it starts. A repeat Pap test might be in order if you had an infection at the time of your first Pap smear or if too few cells were collected then.
If your colposcopy came back showing only low-grade changes in your cervical cells, your provider will likely recommend the “watch and wait” approach. In other words, you’ll simply have more frequent Pap smears, such as one per year, versus one every three years. In many cases, the abnormalities correct themselves over time.
If your colposcopy results showed moderate to severe cervical cell abnormalities, or if your doctor has other reasons to suspect cancer, they’ll likely order a biopsy. During this process, cervical tissue will be removed using Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure or a cold knife cone biopsy. Both of these procedures are minor surgeries. From there, your doctor can assess whether you have cancerous cells and recommend any necessary treatment. With early detection, cervical cancer is highly treatable.
To learn more about your cervical cancer risks or schedule a Pap smear, call Grassroots Healthcare or book an appointment with Dr. Melita Tate online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
If you have a loved one with bipolar disorder, you want to be supportive — and in fact, your support can play a key role in their health. But giving that support can be challenging sometimes. Here are six tips that can help.
Diabetes is a serious medical problem that can take a major toll on your health and your lifestyle. Interestingly, data shows that losing weight can actually help you manage your diabetes and even reduce your need for insulin. Here’s how.
It’s sweet, it’s delicious, and it’s almost irresistible. It’s sugar, and while a small amount can be OK for most people, too much sugar can wreak havoc on your health. Here’s what you should know about sugar’s dangerous effects on your body.
Hyperthyroidism can cause serious health problems if it’s not caught and treated early. Learning these five signs of overactive thyroid disease can help ensure you get the treatment you need as soon as possible.
Lots of health issues can cause sore throats, and some causes can be more serious than others. Strep infections are a relatively common cause of throat symptoms, and one that needs to be treated promptly. Here’s when to schedule your strep test.
Most people know obesity increases your risks for serious physical problems, but the emotional toll is less understood. If you or a loved one is dealing with obesity, here’s what you should know about the psychological toll it can take.