Abnormal Pap Smears Specialist

Sherry Neyman, MD

Gynecology & Wellness Specialists located in Austin, TX

An abnormal Pap smear doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer; there are numerous reasons why a test indicates abnormal cells. Sherry Neyman, MD, MS, FACOG, is a leading gynecologist and women’s wellness expert in Austin, Texas, who specializes in screening, counseling, and in-office procedures to remove abnormal tissue. Dr. Neyman and her all-female team understand you may have anxiety over an abnormal Pap smear and they do everything they can to make you feel comfortable. They take the time to help you understand test results and any necessary treatments. Call or schedule online for cutting-edge technology in a caring environment.

512-425-3840

Abnormal Pap Smears Q & A

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear, or Pap test, is a normal part of a pelvic exam that screens for abnormal cells in your cervix. It’s the only way to screen the cells that may lead to cancer. Typically, Dr. Sherry Neyman begins Pap smears on women who are 21 or older, or earlier if you’re at risk for potential problems due to a compromised immune system or if you have HIV or another sexually transmitted infection.

How is a Pap smear performed?

During your annual pelvic exam, Dr. Neyman uses a thin wand and a tiny brush to collect some cells from your cervix. You may feel a little pressure during the exam, but it’s over quickly. The cells are analyzed for abnormalities, and typically, Dr. Neyman also performs a human papillomavirus (HPV) screening at the same time.

Having regular screenings for abnormal cells increases your chances for early detection of serious health issues and diseases, including cervical cancer, so they can be effectively treated.

What causes an abnormal Pap smear result?

There are several reasons why you may have an abnormal Pap smear result, including:

Infection or sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Recent sexual activity
Inflammation of your cervix
HPV or genital warts
Precancerous dysplasia or abnormal cells

If you have an abnormal Pap test, Dr. Neyman may recommend a colposcopy so she can take a closer look at your cervix, vagina, and vulva for any signs of disease. A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that takes 10 minutes and allows Dr. Neyman to view a magnified image of your cervix. She may also perform a biopsy by collecting a small piece of tissue from your cervix or vagina so it can be further analyzed. These biopsies are performed with a tiny brush instead of the old-fashioned “pinchers” and numbing medicine is applied to the cervix to help minimize any discomfort.

What are the treatments for removing abnormal cells?

If you do have abnormal cells on your cervix that require treatment, Dr. Neyman may perform an in-office procedure called Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) under IV sedation so you don’t feel discomfort. During LEEP, a minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Neyman uses a thin wire loop to deliver a safe electrical current to the abnormal tissue. Using the electricity as a scalpel, she removes the thin layer of tissue that contains the abnormal cells. Most of the time, this can be performed in the office and you can return to work the next day.

She can further evaluate the tissue to confirm a diagnosis and recommend the necessary treatments. Even if you didn’t get tested with Dr. Neyman, she welcomes referrals. If you received abnormal Pap smear results from another doctor, she can still provide an accurate diagnosis, counseling, and the most minimally invasive, comprehensive treatments.

If you are concerned about abnormal Pap smear results, call Dr. Neyman’s compassionate, all-female team or schedule a consultation online.

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