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Abnormal Pap Test & Menopause

A Pap smear is a test that exams the cells of cervix for changes that can lead to cancer. Even women who've gone through menopause are advised to have periodic Pap tests.

  1. Time Frame

    • According to the Cleveland Clinic, menopausal women should have a Pap smear every three years following a normal test result.

    Function

    • An abnormal Pap smear can indicate cervical cancer, a condition that can be cured in its earliest stages.

    Risks

    • If a menopausal woman tests positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV), she should get a Pap smear annually, as HPV causes cervical cancer.

    Results

    • Abnormal Pap smear results do not necessarily indicate cervical cancer. Results can range from abnormal cells that indicate the presence of HPV to cells that are precancerous to a positive diagnosis for cervical cancer.

    Considerations

    • See your doctor for a Pap test if you experience abnormal bleeding and vaginal discharge. If your doctor finds abnormalities, he may recommend a colposcopy, a procedure where the vagina and cervix are explored with a camera. In some cases, the doctor will also remove a bit of tissue for further testing.

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