home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK01011}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean Surgery?}
- $Subject{pap smear smears biopsy Genitourinary system Special procedure
- Procedures Laboratory test Tests preliminary precancerous infection infections
- inflammation inflammations colposcopic examination colposcope cervix cervical
- biopsies dysplasia Laser freeze freezing cryotherapy conization uterus
- hysterectomy hysterectomies}
- $Volume{A-14, P-14}
- $Log{
- Abrasion Biopsy of the Uterus*0001901.scf
- Total Hysterectomy*0008601.scf
- Partial Hysterectomy*0008602.scf
- Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean Surgery?
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: My doctor has phoned with a report that my Pap smear is abnormal,
- and that he wants to see me again. What next? Does this mean I am sentenced
- to surgery and must have my uterus removed? Please answer. I am sick with
- fear.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: You are a long way from surgery, on the basis of this preliminary
- report. While the cells may be abnormal, they may not be precancerous, due
- instead to infection or inflammation. Let's take it step by step. Another
- smear may be indicated after treatment for infection, if your physician feels
- that this may be the source of the abnormal cells. A colposcopic examination
- is in order, the colposcope being an instrument that resembles a pair of
- binoculars, and permits the physician to examine the cervix closely. If there
- are any suspicious areas seen, the physician may take a small sample of tissue
- or "biopsy" for microscopic examination and diagnosis. If the cells are
- precancerous (frequently called "dysplasia"), there are several types of
- treatment to choose from, all effective in removing the abnormal tissue.
- Laser techniques use an intense beam of concentrated light to vaporize and
- destroy the affected areas on the cervix. Intense cold may also be used to
- destroy abnormal cells with a technique called "cryotherapy". A portion of
- the cervix can be removed surgically, removing a cone shaped portion of tissue
- that contains all the abnormal areas. The procedure is called "conization".
- The uterus is removed (hysterectomy) when the dysplasia is advanced or
- pronounced, and when other simpler methods have not been successful. The good
- news is that more than 90 percent of all cases of cervical dysplasia are
- successfully treated using laser therapy, cryotherapy or conization. The
- early diagnosis obtained by Pap smears give a bright outlook for patients, who
- may have abnormal tissue removed before it has advanced or spread, with
- techniques that leave the uterus intact and without major surgery.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-
-