Some medical needs warrant special attention. What’s the difference in urgent care and emergency room care? And how do you know which one to choose? Read on to learn where you should go when you have an urgent medical need.
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...
Some medical needs warrant special attention. What’s the difference in urgent care and emergency room care? And how do you know which one to choose? Read on to learn where you should go when you have an urgent medical need.
It’s the beginning of a new year, and you’re determined that you’re going to stick to your resolution to lose weight. Working with a physician who can supervise your progress may be the approach that works for you.
Are you overweight or obese? If you are, you have a higher chance of developing chronic health conditions. Fortunately, losing even a little weight can help you avoid them. Read on to learn the link between weight gain and your health.
Your thyroid plays an important role in your wellness. An imbalanced thyroid can create many different health problems. Read on to learn what happens to your body when your thyroid is imbalanced.
Many factors can influence your mood, from changing weather to your own internal systems. Your hormones can cause both good and bad mood patterns. Read more to learn about regulating your hormones and improving your emotional health.
No one looks forward to their annual mammogram. But despite your fears, you should always schedule and attend your appointments. Mammograms are the most effective way to diagnose cancer in its early stages.