{"id":1663,"date":"2022-09-10T11:35:22","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T11:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/?p=1663"},"modified":"2022-10-05T07:28:09","modified_gmt":"2022-10-05T07:28:09","slug":"what-causes-an-abnormal-pap-smear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/what-causes-an-abnormal-pap-smear\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes an Abnormal Pap Smear?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You just received the results of your pap smear, and it\u2019s not what you expected.<\/span><\/p>\n

You immediately panic and worry you may have cervical cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no need to panic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most women with abnormal pap smears do not have cervical cancer. This is not only been our experience at South Miami OB-GYN Associates but has also been validated statistically, However, it is important that you schedule a follow-up with your OBGYN as soon as possible since there are many things that can influence your test results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Worried about your pap smear results or looking for options regarding <\/span>cervical cancer screening in South Florida<\/span><\/a>? Schedule an appointment in either our Downtown Doral or South Miami office today.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTACT US<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

What is a Pap Smear?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A pap smear, also referred to as a pap test, is part of a women\u2019s standard preventative care and screens for abnormal cervical cells that may be pre-cancerous. Using a narrow, brush-like instrument called a speculum, your OBGYN will collect a small number of cells from the cervix. This procedure typically only takes a few minutes and is not painful. Once the cells are collected, they will be sent to a lab to be tested.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the lab receives the cells, they will test for abnormalities, cervical cancer, infection, and general inflammation. If any of these conditions are detected, the test results will be returned to the physician and marked as \u201cabnormal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

HPV and Cervical Cancer<\/b><\/h2>\n

Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV.) Since the approval of the HPV test to be used in conjunction with standard pap smears, called a co-test, abnormal cells are being detected much earlier, and death rates are declining. Still, it\u2019s essential to remain vigilant and receive routine pap smears so signs of pre-cancerous cells can be detected early.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The American Cancer Society <\/span>estimates<\/span><\/a> that about 14,100 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Causes an Abnormal Pap Smear?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Vaginal<\/p>\n

An abnormal pap smear does not necessarily mean cancer. There are several causes for an abnormal pap smear, many of which are highly treatable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common causes of abnormal pap smears:<\/span><\/p>\n