$Unique_ID{BRK00850}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System, Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{What do "Follow Up Tests" After a Pap Smear Involve?}
$Subject{pap smear follow up}
$Volume{J-14, P-14}
$Log{
Figure 1*0001901.scf
Figure 2*0009001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What do "Follow Up Tests" After a Pap Smear Involve?


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QUESTION:  The results of a recent pap smear were read as "slightly abnormal"
Now my physician is advising "follow up tests".  What does this involve?  What
could this mean?

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ANSWER:  The pap test or smear is used most commonly to detect cancer of the
uterus and cervix.  The test can reveal abnormalities at a stage at which such
changes produce no visible symptoms, and have done no damage.  Most often the
pap test catches uterine or cervical cancer at such an early stage, that the
problem can be completely cured.  The next step for your doctor to take is to
perform a colposcopy--an examination with an instrument that is inserted into
the vagina and permits visual examination of the neck of the womb and the
upper part of the vagina.  The colposcope has a magnification lens and can
detect early malignant changes.
     If your doctor sees any problem areas, he or she then knows which areas a
biopsy sample should be taken from.  If the biopsy turns out to have
pre-cancerous or even malignancies, one relatively simple, painless and
inexpensive treatment option is cryotherapy.  This involves the destruction of
the abnormal tissue with the application of extreme cold.  About 20 to 25% of
patients with an abnormal pap smear require a different procedure because of
possible invasive cancer.  The procedure is called cervical conization, which
is the surgical removal of a cone of tissue.
     Another form of treatment is Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy.  In this
method, a laser vaporizes the altered cervical tissue.  Laser therapy may
provide a better cure rate than cryotherapy, but it is less widely available,
more expensive, and requires anesthesia.
     Hysterectomy is very rarely indicated, even with extensive changes of the
cervix.  In the early stages, relatively simple techniques can accomplish
lasting cures, so stay the course.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
