Pap smear is an important test that can help in the early detection of cervical cancer. The caring doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners at Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts, help you stay healthy by assessing your cancer risks, recommending when to schedule Pap smears, and providing prompt in-office care in the event a Pap smear indicates precancerous changes. If you haven’t had a Pap smear in the last three years, it’s time to protect your health and schedule an appointment. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates or use the online booking feature today.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a routine office procedure that screens for cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, your provider removes a small sample of cells from around your cervix. The sample is examined under a microscope and a summary of findings is sent to the clinicians at Burlington OBGYN Associates who will discuss any necessary follow-up with you.
Why do I need a Pap smear?
Pap smear can help in early detection of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be caused by infection of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can be sexually transmitted. Your immune system usually eliminates the virus. But if the virus infiltrates cells in your cervix, it causes abnormal cell growth that becomes cervical cancer.
Pap smears reveal cellular changes and whether they’re precancerous. Routine Pap smears detect cancerous changes at an early stage when it is easy to cure.
When should I have a Pap smear?
All women should have their first Pap smear when they become sexually active or at the age of 21. Our providers will discuss routine screening based on age and other risk factors.
What do the results tell me after a Pap smear?
If all the cells in your sample were normal, you have a negative Pap smear. A positive Pap smear may include a range of possible issues, including:
Mild cellular changes: Mild cellular changes may or may not be caused by an HPV infection. Our providers may run an HPV test or recommend waiting a few months (giving a possible HPV infection time to heal) and then take another Pap smear.
If your follow-up test is still positive, your provider may recommend a colposcopy at Burlington OBGYN Associates, to examine your cervix and remove any abnormal tissues.
Moderate to severe cellular changes: Moderate to severe cellular changes are worrisome for potential cancer. We will schedule a colposcopy to for more detailed exam and potentially to remove the cells.
Presence of cancer cells: If results indicate cancer, the providers at Burlington OBGYN Associates will remove as many cells as possible and discuss options for expert treatment with you.
If it’s time for a Pap smear (or you’re overdue), call Burlington OBGYN Associates or book an appointment online today.