Abnormal Pap Smears
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South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health
Gynecology & Women's Health Specialists located in Dadeland, Miami, FL & Pembroke Pines, FL
About one in 10 Pap smears show some signs of abnormality, but an abnormal Pap smear doesn’t automatically mean you have cervical cancer. At South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health, our doctors ensure that your Pap smears go to an in-network lab specializing in gynecology, so a specialist in the field can examine your sample. Plus, if your pap smear is abnormal, South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health provides in-office colposcopy procedures to further evaluate abnormal Pap smears. Call one of our two offices located in the Dadeland area of Miami, or Pembroke Pines or schedule a consultation online.
Abnormal Pap Smears Q & A
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean I have cancer?
Rest assured, an abnormal Pap smear rarely means you have cancer. Abnormal changes in your cervical cells often resolve on their own or remain stable and don’t require treatment. In rare cases, abnormal cells can become cancer if left untreated for many years. Pap smears may detect these changes long before they turn into cancer allowing your doctor to monitor you closely and remove the abnormal cells as needed.
South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health sends your cell sample to an in-network lab for your insurance company that specializes in gynecology. You can rest assured that a specialist in the field evaluates your test.
Do I need treatment after an abnormal Pap smear?
Our doctors gather more information to evaluate your condition after an abnormal Pap result. In many cases, the gynecologist will recommend a colposcopy, a quick, in-office procedure, to better evaluate the cervix. If your test shows mild changes, usually you will just need a repeat Pap smear in 6 months.
Rarely, for more advanced abnormal cells, you may need a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove the abnormal cells and precancerous cells.
What is a colposcopy for an abnormal Pap smear?
A colposcopy is a minor procedure that uses a small magnifying device to examine your cervix more closely, and take tissue samples, or biopsies, for testing.
The process is similar to your original Pap smear. The doctor gently inserts a speculum into your vagina and looks with the colposcope.
She will apply a vinegar solution to your cervix to highlight abnormal cells. The solution may cause a slight burning sensation. If the doctor sees suspicious cells, she will take a small tissue sample for testing.
The entire procedure is relatively quick. If you have a biopsy, you might have some spotting and cramps.
How does a LEEP treat an abnormal Pap smear?
Your doctor may recommend a LEEP to remove abnormal and pre-cancerous cells from your cervix. This procedure takes only about 10 minutes.
The LEEP procedure is performed in the office with a local anesthetic. The doctor will remove the area of the cervix that contains the abnormal cells. The area heals over the next few weeks and typically will appear as though nothing has even been done.
For specialized care after an abnormal Pap result, rely on the expertise of Dr. Karmin and Dr. Dejean at South Florida Gynecology & Women's Health. Call today or book your consultation online.
