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i'm 19 and had an abnormal pap smear? could this lead to cervical cancer?

By October 20, 2010 - 6:33pm
 
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I just barely turned 19 and went in for my first pap smear. I didn't think anything of it till i got a call 2 weeks later, saying that i needed to come in to get seen for a colposcopy. I freaked out! I asked the nurse on the phone, if it was a severe issue and if i should be concerned. She said no, it was just some mild cell abnormalities that the doctor wanted to take a closer look at. I'm seriously scared to death. No one in my family has had a history of cervical cancer or anything even closely related to that. I've always practiced safe sex but i know its spread through skin-to-skin contact. I have never had an std or anything like that. I'll be seen next week. But do i really have something life-threatening to worry about? I know hpv can cause abnormal cells.. but do they go away on their own? and what is the likely hood of them not? PLEASE help me, I don't want to be stressing about this for next week. I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks and God Bless!

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Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

stephhp09 - To answer your question, yes, left untreated, abnormal cells found during a Pap test can lead to cancer. However, and this is a very important point, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers due to early detection. Please review the information in our cervical cancer section to not only help yourself with this immediate concern but also for the sake of your long term health. https://www.empowher.com/condition/cervical-cancer

You've asked a number of questions about HPV, but didn't say whether you had an HPV test. If not, and you are sexually active, you need to consider asking your doctor for this test. https://www.empowher.com/sex-relationships/content/what-difference-between-pap-smear-and-hpv-test

We've given you a lot of information to review, and know you probably have additional questions. Please review the information first, and then let us know what else we can assist you with.

As a two-time cancer survivor I know that the word "cancer" can cause fear in people and understand your concerns. Please be assured though that you are on the right path - early detection of abnormal cells - to get the right diagnosis and treatment for a very treatable cancer. That's really positive news, so please hang in there.

Take care,
Pat

October 20, 2010 - 7:01pm
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