Abnormal Pap Smears
Follow-up of abnormal pap smears showing Low Grade Squamous Intraepitheal Lesions (LGSIL).
According to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) 2002 guidelines, after someone has had an abnormal pap smear, they can safely choose to:
- Have an immediate colposcopy with biopsy
- Repeat Pap at 6 and 12 months, and high risk HPV testing at 12 months.
Because of the natural history of HPV, Health Services has decided to follow the least invasive approach of giving the cervix time to repair itself before doing a colposcopy. Consequently, we are no longer routinely recommending colposcopy for adolescents with LGSIL.
Learning More About Colposcopy
Your physician or nurse practitioner may recommend a colposcopy to closely examine your cervix to identify the source of the abnormal cells. Alleviate some of your anxiety about this procedure by understanding what it involves, how you can prepare and what you can expect afterward.
Learning More About Pap Smears
Getting regular pap smears is the best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer. Learn more about what to expect during your next pap test.
