Getting a Pap Smear is not Enough: Talk to your doctor about the resultsPap smears save lives - but only if patients receive their test results, talk to their physicians about the results and follow through with any needed additional testing or procedures.
According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology, since the introduction of the Pap Smear, in the early 1940s, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has decreased by more than 70 percent. The painless test involves the doctor removing a small sample of cervical tissue and sending that sample for microscopic examination at a professional laboratory. The test is a part of most women's annual pelvic examinations, and regular testing should begin when a women reaches age 18 or becomes sexually active if younger.
Test results are usually returned to the physician within 14 days. Patients can either obtain their test results by calling our offices during normal business hours and leaving a message. Basically the test results are either determined to be normal or abnormal. A "normal" Pap Smear means that no abnormalities or problems were detected. An "abnormal" result means that you and your physician must discuss some follow-up treatment or testing. An abnormal result usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Some Pap Smears are abnormal because of the presence of various microorganisms or viruses (including sexually transmitted diseases). Others may show cells that have changed in reaction to an infection or injury. Some Pap Smears reveal pre-cancerous cells; prompt attention to this situation may allow the physician and patient to prevent a cancerous condition.
At Park West, we urge all women to come in for their regular gynecological exam and to check back with us about the results of their Pap Smears. Working together we can prevent cervical cancer or begin early treatment, and we can also address other conditions that might endanger your health. It is what you don't know that might harm you.
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