Typical Treatments for Abnormal Pap Smears

A pap smear screens for abnormal cells on the cervix, which are referred to as cervical dysplasia. An abnormal pap smear can signify several kinds of problems, from minor irritation to cancerous growth. Dysplasia is often caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Luckily, a pap smear is an excellent preventative tool, and most abnormal cells can be easily removed. Depending on the degree of cervical dysplasia determined by the pap smear, your doctor will recommend an option that will help him or her diagnose the cause and treat it, if necessary.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor any questions you can think of. Being told your pap smear results were abnormal can be unsettling, so don't hesitate to discuss your worries. Abnormal pap smears are a very common occurrence--your doctor will be able to reassure you if you're nervous about it. After getting abnormal results, you will be asked to schedule an appointment for a procedure to diagnose the reason for the dysplasia.

• 2

  First, a colposcopy is usually performed. During this procedure, your doctor uses a magnifier to look more closely at the abnormal cells. He or she may take a biopsy and will recommend a procedure to treat the dysplasia. In many cases, dysplasia will go away on its own over time and doesn't require treatment.

• 3

  Freezing the abnormal cells off is one option. This is done during a procedure called cryotherapy, in which your doctor uses liquid nitrogen to remove the cells.

• 4

  Excision of the abnormal cells is referred to as LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure). You will be put under local or general anesthesia while your doctor removes the cells with an electrified, looped thin wire.

• 5

  Vaporizing the cells through a procedure called laser ablation is another way to treat dysplasia. You may have to go to a hospital to have it done if your doctor's office doesn't have the necessary technology. Local anesthetic is used while the abnormal cells are vaporized with a laser.