My doctor told me that my Pap smear showed a minor abnormality, something called mild dysplasia or a "low grade lesion"
What does it mean if my Pap shows "mild dysplasia"?
Since the Pap smear is a screening test and not a diagnostic test, the next step is to have a follow-up office-based procedure called a colposcopy performed to confirm your diagnosis. The cells seen on the Pap suggest that there is dysplasia present but that it is mild. Mild dysplasia does not usually progress to cervical cancer. The most important reason to have a colposcopy is for your doctor to make sure that there is not a more serious form of dysplasia present that the Pap smear may have missed. This is a follow-up test performed by your doctor in the office using a magnifying glass to look at the cervix directly and take some biopsies based on the appearance of cervix.
Why wasn't an HPV test done with my Pap smear if it was abnormal?
When dysplasia is suggested on a Pap smear, the next step, regardless of the HPV test result, is to have the colposcopy done. The HPV test is used more in the borderline result to see if a colposcopy should be performed now or perhaps not needed at all if there is no HPV detected. If your doctor thinks an HPV result would be helpful in the management of your abnormal Pap, then one can be done at the time of the colposcopy.
When should I have my next Pap smear?
This will depend on the results of your colposcopy and whether a treatment is performed. Your doctor will discuss with you when your next Pap smear should be.
Julianne M. Dunne, MD, PC 1230 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 100 White Plains, NY 10605 tel. (914) 948-1020 fax. (914) 948-1002 email: gyndocs1230@yahoo.com
