What are some the common diagnosis discovered during pap smear?

During a pap smear, cells collected from the cervix are examined under a microscope to detect any abnormalities. Common diagnoses that can be discovered include:

- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. Persistent infection with certain strains of HPV can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. A pap smear can detect abnormal cell changes caused by HPV, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

- Squamous cell abnormalities: Squamous cells are the most common type of cell on the surface of the cervix. Squamous cell abnormalities refer to changes in the appearance of these cells, ranging from mild atypia (minor changes) to high-grade dysplasia (severe changes). Abnormal cells may indicate a precancerous condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

- Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS): AIS is a precancerous condition characterized by abnormal glandular cells on the surface of the cervix. It is a rare finding in pap smears, but it requires further evaluation and treatment to prevent the development of cervical cancer.

- Cervical cancer: In some cases, a pap smear may detect the presence of cervical cancer. However, pap smears are not always able to detect cancer in its early stages. Regular screenings and follow-up tests are crucial for the early detection and management of cervical cancer.

- Inflammation and non-neoplastic conditions: Pap smears may reveal inflammation or non-cancerous conditions such as hormonal changes, infections (e.g., yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis), or benign growths (e.g., polyps). These findings often require further evaluation and appropriate treatment.