“Do PAP smears note abnormal growths?”
I'm going to have my first appointment at the OB-GYN and need to have a PAP. Will it tell me if I have any abnormal growths?
4 Answers
Yes, the pap smear will find the growth of abnormal squamous cells which are the cell lining type of the cervix. There are five distinct categories, and they are atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS cells), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), and atypical granular cells (AGC). Thank you.
Sandra L. Aponte
Pathologist
The pap is a screening test. If abnormal cells are detected, it is reported in the pap. A growth may shed cells in the pap, in which case will be reported.
A pap smear will identify atypical, dysplastic and malignant cells. If such cells are found, your doctor will advise you of the next steps.
Good luck.
Renee Thomas, MD
Good luck.
Renee Thomas, MD
If properly performed, the PAP test can detect the presence of a growth in the area tested.
