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Pap Smear
Questions & Answers:
Q: What is a pap smear/pap test?
A: A cervical test for cancer or abnormality,
where a "smear" of exfoliated cells are tested.
Q: Should I have one?
A: All women are encouraged to take the test,
especially women over 18, or women who are sexually active.
Q: Why do I need one?
A: A pap test could save your
life, it can detect cancer and other problems.
Q: How often should I have a pap test?
A: You should talk to your doctor, he/she may
recommend the test every year or perhaps every 1-3 years.
Q: What does an "abnormal" pap smear
mean?
A: In worst cases, an abnormal test could mean
cancer, but this is NOT always the case.
You should talk to your doctor to find out what your
"abnormal" test results mean.
Q: What does a false positive result mean?
A: A pap test in NOT 100% percent accurate, and
false positive results may mean more tests are needed or that your cells
are normal and the test was faulty. A false negative usually means there
is a change in your healthy cells and should be discussed with your
doctor.
Cervical
Dysplasia Questions and Answers:
Q: What is cervical dysplasia?
A: Cervical
Dysplasia is the abnormal growth of the epithelial tissue on the surface
of the cervix.
Q: Can Cervical Dysplasia turn into cancer?
A: Yes, is some cases. Depending upon the severity
of the dysplasia, it can take up to 10 years to develop into cancer.
Mild dysplasia is the most common form and can regress and return to
normal on its own. The good news is that mild to moderate forms of
cervical dysplasia can be treated.
Q: Can a pap test
find cervical dysplasia?
A: Yes, and should be performed at least every 1-3 years. Q:
What are the risk factors of Cervical Dysplasia?
A: Smoking, multiple sex partners, sexual activity early in life, and
sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV(Aids) or HPV (human
papillomavirus) Q: Does my
sexual partner need to be checked?
A: Yes, if your dysplasia is determined to be caused by HPV.
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