Abnormal pap smear results, I am still freaking out!!?!
Question: The doc office called a couple of weeks ago and told me that I had Atypical Squamous cells of undetermined significance. The nurse said it is no big deal, but I have never had an abnormal pap and I am in my mid 30's. Is this common? Should I be worried? They want me back in 3 months, but the wait is torture!!!! I keep thinking about how my husband and kids will make it without me.... I know... I am a drama queen... but it is really scarry. Please forward any of your knowledge on the matter. Thank you.
Answers: The doc office called a couple of weeks ago and told me that I had Atypical Squamous cells of undetermined significance. The nurse said it is no big deal, but I have never had an abnormal pap and I am in my mid 30's. Is this common? Should I be worried? They want me back in 3 months, but the wait is torture!!!! I keep thinking about how my husband and kids will make it without me.... I know... I am a drama queen... but it is really scarry. Please forward any of your knowledge on the matter. Thank you.
Having ASCUS doesn't necessarily mean you have pre cancerous changes or cervical cancer. It could be something as simple as inflammation. Did the doc send the sample for HPV typing? HPV or human papilloma virus is associated with the development of cervical cancer. There are a lot of these viruses which can cause changes in the cervix- some with lower risk of causing cervical cancer, some that are called high risk. Women can harbor the virus for long time and not even know they have it. One article I read suggested that most women will experience an abnormal PAP during their lifetime, many of which can be attributed to HPV.
When the ASCUS occurs, most of the time practitioners will follow it up in a few months with a repeat PAP and if the ASCUS has not resolved by then they send the patient for a colposcopy- which is more invasive than a PAP (collects a larger sample of cervical tissue) for more sensitive typing.
I would suggest is that you call your doc and let them know how worried you are and ask them what their plans are. But for now, I would relax. This ASCUS may have occurred during a time when you were run down or stressed. Take care and good luck.
I had the same thing for years and it ended up being no big deal like they said, but I understand your worries. THe only way to really resolve your worry for certain (since I am not your doctor) is to call him/her and have them give you more information. They are paid the big bucks to spend more than a few seconds with us. Get your monies worth. Ask questions and don't leave until you are satisfied w/ the answers.
Sometimes it's nothing at all, you retest and it comes back normal. Other times you retest and find something like HPV or other abnormality. I've had both happen.
Unless they told you that the cells were cancerous, I ouldn't worry too much. The cells could be old cells. Squamous cells are individual cells of skin and mucous membranes. They sad that they are Atypical, which doesn't give you a cause to be alarmed. Also, is is undetermined significance, which means they know what kind of cell it is and where it came from. It aalso means that thus far there isn't any cause for alarm.
it could be something major or it could be something like the end of your period that messed up the results. if you're period JUST ended when you got the pap smear, it could mess up the results. so dont freak out....its most likely nothing. :-)
Did they cauterize the cells. Demand answers from your doctor, I would not play the wait and see game. Reputable doctors don't do that. If they don't give valid answers to your concerns seek a second opinion. Your knowledge is power. Read all the information you can get your hands on so that you also are armed with some facts.
I had a smear come back and i was scared just like you. TRy not to worry, my doctors told me that i might have had thrush, and this will make your smear abnormal. if you have had a small infection that didn't even give you any symptems, this can give you the same result. If they thought it was cancer, they would have you in straight away not in three months, don't panic it will only make things worse for you and your family. I had to have a smear for the following 2 years and all was ok. I just had my last one 6 weeks ago and that was ok. Try not to get upset i know it is hard, but you will be ok.