Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. An abnormal pap smear is the opportunity to prevent it.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. An abnormal pap smear is the opportunity to prevent it.
Abnormal pap smears are a common finding encountered across all reproductive age groups. Pap smear screening begins at age 21 and continues through age 65 in women with consistently normal results. The majority of abnormalities reflect transient HPV infection or minor cellular changes — findings the screening system is specifically designed to identify and monitor. An abnormal result is not a diagnosis of cancer. It is the prevention process working as intended.
Initial management of a mildly abnormal pap smear is typically repeat testing at one year and monitoring for resolution of HPV or abnormal cell changes. When a pap smear is persistently abnormal, or when the degree of abnormality warrants further investigation, colposcopy is indicated.
Colposcopy allows direct, magnified visualization of the cervix, evaluation of the endocervical canal, and targeted biopsy of both the ectocervix and endocervical portion. For patients, the procedure resembles an extended speculum examination with biopsies taken at its conclusion. Biopsy results are typically available within one to two weeks.
For patients who experience procedural anxiety, anxiolytic medication is offered provided transportation has been arranged. Patient comfort is part of the clinical consideration — not an afterthought.
Minor or normal biopsy findings return to surveillance. Moderate or high-grade dysplasia is treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure — LEEP — an outpatient excision of abnormal cervical tissue performed in office. LEEP is highly effective and does not require general anesthesia.
At PelvicProtocol, every condition is evaluated within the full context of the patient — not in isolation. Surgical and medical precision, grounded in an osteopathic understanding of the whole person. Private, direct care in Austin, Texas.