This will help you understand the different types of abnormal pap results:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/Pap-test
When a pap smear comes back abnormal, sometimes a repeat pap smear is done. Other times, another type of test (colposcopy) is done to get a closer view, and a biopsy can be done at this time, if needed. The link above discusses all of the different diagnostic and screening options.
To answer your other questions...you will need to call your doctor and ask what the next steps are. When do you need another pap smear, or will s/he be ordering another type of test? You can say that you've been "absorbing" the information about your CIN diagnosis, and have some more questions. Many women have abnormal results, and most of the time, the abnormal cells are not cancerous...but this is still a good question to ask your doctor.
Your doctor would likely perform the colposcopy and/or biopsy, if needed. Please call your doctor and talk with him/her or the nurse; they are used to answering follow-up questions by patients, so please do not be shy in asking. It shows that you are educated and wanting to take good care of your body, and they will be more than happy to help answer your follow-up questions.
Please let us know what you find out, as we can help answer your additional questions. We are unable to answer what YOU should specifically do as far as when to get another test, as that is dependent on so many factors that only you and your doctor can discuss.
Comment Reply
This will help you understand the different types of abnormal pap results:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/Pap-test
When a pap smear comes back abnormal, sometimes a repeat pap smear is done. Other times, another type of test (colposcopy) is done to get a closer view, and a biopsy can be done at this time, if needed. The link above discusses all of the different diagnostic and screening options.
To answer your other questions...you will need to call your doctor and ask what the next steps are. When do you need another pap smear, or will s/he be ordering another type of test? You can say that you've been "absorbing" the information about your CIN diagnosis, and have some more questions. Many women have abnormal results, and most of the time, the abnormal cells are not cancerous...but this is still a good question to ask your doctor.
Your doctor would likely perform the colposcopy and/or biopsy, if needed. Please call your doctor and talk with him/her or the nurse; they are used to answering follow-up questions by patients, so please do not be shy in asking. It shows that you are educated and wanting to take good care of your body, and they will be more than happy to help answer your follow-up questions.
Please let us know what you find out, as we can help answer your additional questions. We are unable to answer what YOU should specifically do as far as when to get another test, as that is dependent on so many factors that only you and your doctor can discuss.
April 29, 2010 - 6:48pmThis Comment
Reply