Abnormal pap?

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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peggels24 · January 2014

I've had a few abnormal paps over the years but every time they had me come in sooner than 1 year. Eventually I had the LEEP procedure done and ever since, everything has been fine.

Pintobean39 · January 2014

Yes I had an abnormal pap before but I didn't test positive for HPV. They just made me come back a redo my pap which was normal for the second one. Then I just had to have another 6 months later which was normal.

I was freaking out too, my dr told me it doesn't always mean something is wrong, sometimes it just happens.

I have a friend that always has abnormal paps but she tested positive for HPV but she's never had any problems.

Hazel622 · January 2014

I had an abnormal pap but I tested negative for hpv about 3 years ago. My ob/gyn also told me to just come back for my next pap next year. All of my paps since then have came back normal. I'm not sure why it happens but I believe it is rather common.

ashie0610 · January 2014

I know it sounds scary but try not to worry too much. I had an abnormal pap when I was 21 and also was positive for HPV. You would have thought I was diagnosed with a terminal disease at the time by the way I reacted, but I actually forget it even happened most of the time now.

They did a colposcopy and it came back that I had a mild dysplasia (not sure of the spelling on that one) that they expected to clear on its own. I don't remember how long until my follow-up was but I want to say it was six months. Anyway, it did clear on its own and I haven't had an abnormal pap since.

Goldie000 · January 2014

I had my first "atypical" result come back from my pap in November. I'm still a little confused about what the difference is between that an abnormal. I tested negative for HPV but even still, my doctor asked me to come back in 6 months. I made an appointment with an actual gyno for February instead. It scared me and I figured since I'm TTC I should see an OB instead. Since then I have talked to several friends who have gotten abnormal results. All of which said things came back normal once they went back in 6 months. You will find out that it's fairly common. I hope you start to feel more at ease with your results!

LilMsCantBeWrong · January 2014

I've had quite a few abnormal paps. Don't panic until they tell you there's something to panic over. However, I WOULD talk to the actual doctor. I've never had them tell me to come back in a year, and even if that is what the doctor wants you to do, actually talking to someone about what your diagnosis means and being able to ask questions is extremely important whenever you're diagnosed with anything really.

My doctor usually has me come back in 3 or 4 months to see if it has cleared up. If not, then we discuss whether to wait another 3 months or do a biopsy then, based on whether or not there is visible dysplasia. My obgyn has never ever had me go longer than 6 months with abnormal results without further testing though.

Pintobean39 · January 2014

How did I miss the "come back in a year" WTF????

What's the point in doing a yearly pap if if comes back abnormal and you ignore it? I thought if it came back abnormal they investigated to see "why". Yes under 25 it's probably absolutely nothing but what if it's not, this is the reason for a yearly check up. I'm amazed at some of these Dr's.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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norweigan · January 2014

I had an abnormal pap and had to get a LEEP a few years ago. On my next appointment, the pap was abnormal again (which totally lead to a meltdown), but they said it would clear out on its own so another LEEP wasn't necessary. Like PPs have said, 80% of the population gets HPV, and most people's bodies get rid of it on their own. The doctor had me come in, and showed me a diagram on how bad my cells were when I had to get the LEEP (they were the level right before they become cancer) and then how bad they were at that time (Level 1, abnormal but not bad). That was years ago, and I've had normal paps ever since.

I definitely know it's scary though. Anything abnormal down there is. But if your doctor doesn't seem too concerned, there might not be any need for concern.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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MrsRKJ · January 2014

I had one and tested positive for HPV as well about 4 years ago. I continued to have abnormal paps up until the last one I had right before I got pregnant. I had to come in every 6 months for paps though (and I did have one colposcopy that came back OK). My last pap that I had (Sept 2012) came back normal so now I don't have to go back for another year.

I'm surprised they said another year. I would think 6 months. Honestly it happens more than you think. Try not to worry, but definitely call back for more information if you need to. Good luck!

mrs_tacos · January 2014

I had an abnormal pap about 7 years ago, that my doctor thinks was caused by a birth control I was allergic to and didn't know it. (I knew something was off with my body, just didn't know what yet.) I was glad they had me come back in immediately though, because they found some nasty looking ovarian cysts. Since they found them then and not a year later at my annual, I was able to get them taken care of before they turned into a bigger problem.

I hope you get the answers you need! I know how awful waiting for answers about health issues is.

LilMsCantBeWrong · January 2014

cjchio said:

How did I miss the "come back in a year" WTF???? What's the point in doing a yearly pap if if comes back abnormal and you ignore it? I thought if it came back abnormal they investigated to see "why". Yes under 25 it's probably absolutely nothing but what if it's not, this is the reason for a yearly check up. I'm amazed at some of these Dr's.
That actually was sooner than the recommendation. The new guidelines are every 3 years now. When I had the abnormal pap it was every 2. My doctor told me it wasn't anything she was concerned about, but if I noticed any thing new and strange to call back sooner.

I get that the new guidelines are now every 3 years, which I think is stupid considering the CDC directly attributes the steady decline of deaths from cervical cancer to early detection and there is no good reason not have one every year other than you don't like it. But even if 3 years made more sense after a normal pap, it wouldn't mean that waiting a full year after an abnormal pap was a good idea.

Pintobean39 · January 2014

cjchio said:

Pintobean39 said:
How did I miss the "come back in a year" WTF????

What's the point in doing a yearly pap if if comes back abnormal and you ignore it? I thought if it came back abnormal they investigated to see "why". Yes under 25 it's probably absolutely nothing but what if it's not, this is the reason for a yearly check up. I'm amazed at some of these Dr's.
That actually was sooner than the recommendation. The new guidelines are every 3 years now. When I had the abnormal pap it was every 2.

My doctor told me it wasn't anything she was concerned about, but if I noticed any thing new and strange to call back sooner.

Im so out of the loop. I've always had yearly paps since I had my first son 20 years ago. When I had an abnormal pap my dr called and made me come for another appt immediately.

I don't understand all these new guidelines. Young people can still have problems and catching things early can greatly improve prognosis.

RayRay007 · January 2014

My sister had an abnormal pap and was just told to have a follow up in 6 months. It was fine 6 months later. I guess it's really common and the docs are like "meh, nbd" but I can understand why it's upsetting.

kwicks · January 2014

As with PP, I think it's worth a call to your Dr. to confirm what, if any follow-up needs to be done. I had an abnormal pap with HPV back in 2001, before it had started to become common. Talk about scary! I was living overseas when I got the call, and pretty much freaked out. When I came back they did more testing and ended up having cryotherapy.

I think a year is a long time to not have a follow-up pap, maybe you could request to be re-tested at 6 months.

MrsG713 · January 2014

Ugh @IronEgg I'm so sorry. It is scary but sadly I have some experience with this (and ugly crying many times at work in private because I had no one I wanted to tell). I don't know if my story will help at all but it is more common than you'd think...

I had my first abnormal pap way over a year ago,... Was told that it could be caused from HPV but not for certain. To follow up I had to go back 4 months later and have a re-pap. This also came back abnormal. I had the doc explain to me like 3 times what the scale of abnormal-mild-moderate-severe etc., was because I was so freaking scared.

He decides to do a biopsy to test further. The biopsy comes back borderline-mild dysplasia. He then explains to me that he does not want to do an aggressive treatment because the docs are finding out our bodies will sometimes (sometimes) help clear part of the "infection", or abnormality rather, out. The more they take out with instruments the more scar tissue is created.

So after my biopsy he decides to go the colposcopy route (larger diameter than usual biopsy). That sucked- not gonna lie- but it could have been worse results so I was okay with this treatment.

He explains that I need to come back every 4 months until I have a year of normal paps and then after we will go back to the once a year check ups.

I had about 2 or 3 good appointments (at this rate I can't even remember) and was so happy and then October 2013 I get an abnormal one again. He makes me come back this January. January's is abnormal.

So where I stand is I must go back in May. If that is again abnormal he will do another biopsy. I am praying that May's is normal.

Message me we can talk. It is scary to go through and I had no idea my own sister went through it until I broke down and finally told her.

FWIW my OB/gyn knows I'm TTC and is not worried about the small area that was biopsied/colp.'d previously. My sister concieved my niece post-multiple biopsies and a LEEP (I think that's what hers was) and she says her paps pretty much have come back normal ever since her birth.

I'm sorry this is so long!

Pintobean39 · January 2014

cjchio said:

CrazyCornball said:

cjchio said:

Pintobean39 said:
How did I miss the "come back in a year" WTF????

What's the point in doing a yearly pap if if comes back abnormal and you ignore it? I thought if it came back abnormal they investigated to see "why". Yes under 25 it's probably absolutely nothing but what if it's not, this is the reason for a yearly check up. I'm amazed at some of these Dr's.
That actually was sooner than the recommendation. The new guidelines are every 3 years now. When I had the abnormal pap it was every 2.

My doctor told me it wasn't anything she was concerned about, but if I noticed any thing new and strange to call back sooner.
This is weird, too. How are you supposed to notice anything new on your cervix? I couldn't feel pre-cancerous cells growing.

She meant symptom wise. This was just my experience. Obviously, everyone has different situations. Do what you feel is right. If you want a 2nd opinion, then go get one. Try not to worry in the meantime.

Eta: A lot of you had very serious concerns. I in no way mean to minimize that.

My question is what are the symptoms of cervical cancer? I think that's the thing I find odd about what your dr said.

I'd run from my Dr if my pap came back abnormal and he said come back in a year or two for another unless you have any symptoms. Maybe I'm biased because my mom was Dx at 46 with stage 5 colon cancer and she had just started having symptoms. I don't wait for symptoms, I get checkups yearly.

snooks721 · January 2014

My pap smears are almost ALWAYS abnormal. I have "dysplasia" which is caused by HPV and have to go in for a re-pap every 6 months. Sometimes I have to have a colposcopy which is where they look more closely at the cells and sometimes they need to take a biopsy (ouch!).

When I first found out I had this I was so scared. The gyno I had at the time told me that it could lead to genital warts or it could lead to cervical cancer. I ended up switching gynos because I hated my original gyno and my new gyno made me feel so much better. She explained to me that HPV is SO common in women. I asked her if she has ever come across a situation where HPV turned into cervical cancer and she said there was one case she came across but the woman hadn't been to a gyno in 10 years! So definitely follow up as scheduled. As I said, I go every 6 months and most of the time I'm told my cells came back abnormal and I have to have a colposcopy. My last visit was in October and they didn't call me to tell me it came back abnormal so I'm hoping everything came back normal?

Anyways, trust me, I know what you're going through and how scary it is. I would definitely recommend talking to your doctor further about this. Don't google anything!! Please find comfort in knowing that it is extremely common and can even end up fighting itself off! If you have any questions, let me know! I've been there.

mrs_tacos · January 2014

MrsG713 said:

It is scary to go through and I had no idea my own sister went through it until I broke down and finally told her. FWIW my OB/gyn knows I'm TTC and is not worried about the small area that was biopsied/colp.'d previously. My sister concieved my niece post-multiple biopsies and a LEEP (I think that's what hers was) and she says her paps pretty much have come back normal ever since her birth. I'm sorry this is so long!

My best friend basically has perpetual cervical cancer. It comes back every year or two, and they just scrape it off. In a few years they'll have to take it completely, but they wanted to give her the chance to have kids first. She's currently 25 weeks pregnant, and everything is perfectly healthy and normal. So, heaven forbid, you should have to go the biopsy or other procedure route, you could still have a totally normal pregnancy experience.

MrsG713 · January 2014

amandarene112 said:

MrsG713 said:

It is scary to go through and I had no idea my own sister went through it until I broke down and finally told her. FWIW my OB/gyn knows I'm TTC and is not worried about the small area that was biopsied/colp.'d previously. My sister concieved my niece post-multiple biopsies and a LEEP (I think that's what hers was) and she says her paps pretty much have come back normal ever since her birth. I'm sorry this is so long!

My best friend basically has perpetual cervical cancer. It comes back every year or two, and they just scrape it off. In a few years they'll have to take it completely, but they wanted to give her the chance to have kids first. She's currently 25 weeks pregnant, and everything is perfectly healthy and normal. So, heaven forbid, you should have to go the biopsy or other procedure route, you could still have a totally normal pregnancy experience.

Yeah I have had 1 biopsy, 1 colposcopy. I am hoping that is the case.

@IronEgg, everyone is giving great advice. If you would like a 2nd opinion, I would go for it. Luckily I feel comfortable with my OB/gyn's treatment plan (so far). Just make sure whoever you choose to stick with will actually take the time and talk to you about your steps going forward. No one wants to feel left out in the dark.

BankerBSN · January 2014

Joy2611 said:

Um. What? Don't come back for a year?

There's a lot that's weird in this.

I had an abnormal pap at 24. I came back for a colposcopy. I was diagnosed with a CIN III grade lesion. I then had a LEEP. Only after the LEEP were my cells tested for HPV. They didn't routinely do it because HPV is nearly always the cause for dysplasia (abnormal cells).

I had to have paps every three months for two years as follow up.

Something does not sound right about your situation, IronEgg.

I did HPV research for YEARS. I had the LEEP. I don't have all the answers, but I've done a lot of research. You can ask me whatever you need to.

This is not weird at all. The new ASCCP guidelines tell us that a woman under 25 that has an ASCUS pap (which is abnormal cells of undetermined significance) and High Risk HPV needs repeat co testing (cytology and HPV) in one year.

This stems from countless unnecessary procedures being done to young woman for no reason. HPV cervical cancer is very slow growing and tons of research has gone into these guidelines. Majority of the time the body clears the virus and woman return with normal paps the next year.

IronEgg, it sounds like to me your MD is practicing evidence practice!

ETA: and HPV can be tested off of paps just not biopsies.

Danielle0311 · January 2014

Joy2611 said:
Um. What? Don't come back for a year?

There's a lot that's weird in this.

I had an abnormal pap at 24. I came back for a colposcopy. I was diagnosed with a CIN III grade lesion. I then had a LEEP. Only after the LEEP were my cells tested for HPV. They didn't routinely do it because HPV is nearly always the cause for dysplasia (abnormal cells).

I had to have paps every three months for two years as follow up.

Something does not sound right about your situation, IronEgg.

I did HPV research for YEARS. I had the LEEP. I don't have all the answers, but I've done a lot of research. You can ask me whatever you need to.

All of this. I had an abnormal pap and they definitely didnt tell me to what a year, but to get the procedure. Every pap since then has been normal. I know it's scary but if you get it taken care of properly everything will be fine!

GoaliesWife123 · January 2014

I had an abnormal pap about 5 years ago. The nurse that called me stated that I "must have" hpv. I was told to come in immediately for a colposcopy and the results of that came back normal. I haven't had an abnormal pap since that time.

#1 Don't listen if they say not to come back for a year. Period.

#2 Don't stress or worry unless there is a reason to stress or worry.

#3 If your gyno insists on you coming back in a year, find a new gyno. If it wasn't an important issue, why on earth would they even test for an abnormality?

You'll be okay. Just listen to these wonderful ladies and call your doc

gscoville · January 2014

I had abnormal paps back in my mid-twenties, all that happened was I went in more frequently for my next few PAPs until I got normals again, it wasn't a big deal at all. Not that yours isn't a big deal, but if they're not concerned you probably don't need to be - it's pretty common to have a few abnormal cells that they'll just monitor a little more closely over time.

BankerBSN · January 2014

GoaliesWife123 said:

I had an abnormal pap about 5 years ago. The nurse that called me stated that I "must have" hpv. I was told to come in immediately for a colposcopy and the results of that came back normal. I haven't had an abnormal pap since that time.

#1 Don't listen if they say not to come back for a year. Period.

#2 Don't stress or worry unless there is a reason to stress or worry.

#3 If your gyno insists on you coming back in a year, find a new gyno. If it wasn't an important issue, why on earth would they even test for an abnormality?

You'll be okay. Just listen to these wonderful ladies and call your doc

I think you need to find a new doctor. Abnormal cells on pap can be caused by something as simple as BV or a yeast infection. Congrats. You are one of the woman who had an unnessary procedure on your cervix.

We get on people all.the.time on this board for going in for "unnecessary testing" causing the cost of health care to sky rocket. Not following guideline in place for pap does the same.exact.thing.

Trust me, this is a huge step for health care providers to not due paps every year because that it what we were doing for years and years. But the research is solid on this one, ladies. Get used to not having paps every year.

ETA: let me also say that there are results that come back on paps that absolutely-without-a-doubt needs follow up. There are so many levels of 'abnormal' on paps and many times when given results the patients is not told more than just 'abnormal ' and The type of anomaly is not discussed.

BankerBSN · January 2014

cjchio said:

GoaliesWife123 said:

I had an abnormal pap about 5 years ago. The nurse that called me stated that I "must have" hpv. I was told to come in immediately for a colposcopy and the results of that came back normal. I haven't had an abnormal pap since that time.

#1 Don't listen if they say not to come back for a year. Period.

#2 Don't stress or worry unless there is a reason to stress or worry.

#3 If your gyno insists on you coming back in a year, find a new gyno. If it wasn't an important issue, why on earth would they even test for an abnormality?

You'll be okay. Just listen to these wonderful ladies and call your doc

I think you need to find a new doctor. Abnormal cells on pap can be caused by something as simple as BV or a heat infection. Congrats. You are one of the woman who had an unnessary procedure on your cervix.

We get on people all.the.time on this board for going in for "unnecessary testing" causing the cost of health care to sky rocket. Not following guideline in place for pap does the same.exact.thing.

Trust me, this is a huge step for health care providers to not due paps every year because that it what we were doing for years and years. But the research is solid on this one, ladies. Get used to not having paps every year.

I retract my statement about every 3 years being bullshit then. I assumed it was something with health care red tape or something.

Girl, I am over 30 with a normal pap and negative high risk HPV I get a pap every 5 years. It feels wrong, but is oh so right.

irisheyes317 · January 2014

I've had a few abnormal paps, two colposcopies, and a LEEP. I'm now back to having normal paps for the last 18 months or so. I remember feeling SO alone and like the only person all of this had ever happened to when I first got the calls from the doctor. Hopefully you can see from this board how common this is, and how many people wind up completely fine. Follow your doctor's advice, and don't freak yourself out by googling every possible worst case scenario (ask me how I know).

wishiwaspreggo · January 2014

I've never had an abnormal pap before but I did have a big black spot on my labia that my OBGYN at the time said "might be melanoma" and I had a panic attack as soon as I got to my car. You do NOT want to think about cancer happening in your lady bits. Some doctors really need to be slapped upside the head. She should have just said "Since this is a skin issue you may want to seek the opinion of a dermatologist. Try not to worry about it too much."

I went to a dermatologist and they took it off for a biopsy. No cancer cells. Still scared the shit out of me for that short period of time.

Just sharing because I know how you feel. Getting news like that, delivered that way without much explanation, sucks really hard.

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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jnnfrrose6 · January 2014

**coming out of lurkdom**

I also had an abnormal pap 10 years ago resulting from HPV. Clearly before this was something as commonly known about as it is today, so I don't have anything to say as to whether or not you should wait a year to go back. I know I had a colpo shortly after and then paps every 6 months until I had normal ones for a year.

What I really wanted to chime in on was the nurses demeanor. The nurse that gave me the news over the phone was awful. She had no compassion for the fact that she was essentially telling a freshman in college over the phone who had only slept with a couple of guys she had an STD (technically the case since that's how I got HPV, though I don't know if it is categorized as that these days). It was awful. She was cold and uncompassionate and couldn't offer me any information other than I needed to come back in. I never went back to that office. I didn't mind the doctors, but if that's the way the nurses were going to treat me, I was going to go somewhere else. Ultimately, I found a practice that was much nicer and handle the situation so much better. I don't know your history with your practice, but I know it was worth it for me to find somewhere else to go to take care of this.

**back to lurkdom**

snooks721 · January 2014

IronEgg said:

Thanks ladies! I am waiting on the nurse or dr to call me back. I am not quite as worried as I was before, but would like to speak to someone since I didn't actually understand anything this morning. I will go back and love tit you all for your love and care

Glad you are feeling a little better about this

snooks721 · January 2014

Double post, whoops!

Drgn30 · January 2014

:::lurking::::

I had 2 abnormal paps at the ages of 28-29. I tested negative for HPV. After my first abnormal pap, they told me to come back in one year, so I did. Same with the second - but I insisted on 6 mos. The third pap turned out normal.

It's scary, but you're not alone and there are many reasons it can come back abnormal.

ngolimento · January 2014

Yep, schedule a re-test and see if the results were a fluke. I once got an abnormal result *coughtoomuchsexcough*. When I went back in, all healed up, it was aces. Blood on the sample is considered abnormal.

Lizbeth2462 · January 2014

MeatandBandP said:

Joy2611 said:

Um. What? Don't come back for a year?

There's a lot that's weird in this.

I had an abnormal pap at 24. I came back for a colposcopy. I was diagnosed with a CIN III grade lesion. I then had a LEEP. Only after the LEEP were my cells tested for HPV. They didn't routinely do it because HPV is nearly always the cause for dysplasia (abnormal cells).

I had to have paps every three months for two years as follow up.

Something does not sound right about your situation, IronEgg.

I did HPV research for YEARS. I had the LEEP. I don't have all the answers, but I've done a lot of research. You can ask me whatever you need to.

I'm with Joy, that is very strange she said to come back in a year. I had an abnormal pap about 5 years ago and they had me come back in ASAP for colposcoby and then eventually a LEEP. I also had to get a pap every 3 months for a year and then twice a year for two years after that. I would get a second opinion, I agree something does not seem right. When was the last time you had a pap?

I am in the same boat as @Joy2611 and @MeatandBandP… I had an abnormal pap summer of 2012, and my doctor had me come back in for a punch biopsy. I had a CIN II lesion which I had removed via LEEP procedure in December. I was devastated, but the procedure was pretty easy and my margins came back clear. I only had to do pap's every three months for a year, so I just got my last one, but they have all come back normal.

I know a lot of people who have had abnormal pap smears that ended up being nothing, but IMO it's better to know. I would not have been comfortable waiting a year for another pap…

Also, FWIW, I was 25 at the time, so I don't know that age matters much. @IronEgg try not to stress about it until you know more, but I would speak to your doctor about your concerns with waiting a year! GL.

WolFox · January 2014

The only abnormal PAP result I've ever had was Ascus. It was caught with my pre-IUD insertion PAP. They had me come back in three months and everything was clear.

The doctor who diagnosed me pronounced it EXACTLY like Ass-Kiss. I'd never heard of it before and could not imagine any other way to spell it. Easy to remember though! Even today, for the sake of this post I had to look up "asskiss papsmere" to find the real spelling.

Good luck @IronEgg!

Dermy167 · January 2014

Here are the most recent guidelines. They changed in 2013. The followup depends on the abnormality. Your body can fight off HPV just like it fights off other viruses. https://www.asccp.org/Portals/9/docs/ASCCP Updated Guidelines - 3.21.13.pdf

Dermy167 · January 2014

https://www.asccp.org/Portals/9/docs/Algorithms 7.30.13.pdf Sorry I accidentally posted the 2012 guidelines before.

catmagick · January 2014

I have had two abnormal paps. Both times it was recommended I come right back in and get a repeat smear. the first time it cleared up by the time I got the repeat test. The second time it was abnormal again so I had a colposcopy. I had low grade cervical dysplasia, but it cleard up and I haven't had an abnormal pap since. I definitely think you should insist in coming back in for a repeat test. most likely it's no big deal, but you never know......and you want to know!

try not to freak out too bad Egg. ::hugs::

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