Pap Smear
Alternate Names : Papanicolaou Test
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What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal values are based on the test results. The current system of reporting divides the results into three main areas: benign or noncancerous, precancerous or showing some abnormal cell changes, and malignant or possibly cancerous.
A report in the latter two categories will usually lead to a follow-up examination, including a repeat Pap smear and possibly other tests. If you have never had an abnormal Pap smear before, and the result indicates a mild abnormality, the Pap test is repeated in 6 months. If the test result suggests a severe abnormality or cancer, you should undergo immediate colposcopic evaluation with biopsies. If you have had an abnormal Pap test in the past, or have had treatment for a precancerous change, you should have an immediate colposcopy.
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