j roeber
Don't panic! There are several types of abnormal cell growth associated with the cervix. One, of course, would be a cancerous cell growth. These are usually treated easily, and when found early, the cure rate is very good. Other types include abnormal precancerous cell growth, usually coming up on a PAP as LGSIL or HGSIL (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). Both of these are usually caused by the HPV (human papilloma virus) and both again are easily treated, either by destroying them with cryotherapy (freezing) or removing them with laser surgery or LEEP (large loop excision). BOth of those sound scarey, but I have had the LEEP and it was quick, painless and not a problem at all. Then, there is a ASCUS PAP result, which just means the cells are not normal, but the pathologist wasn't sure or couldn't tell why. For that result, sometimes you just wait and retest, other doctors prefer a colposcopy (having your cervix looked at through a powerful microscope; kind of like having a PAP, but they might place some vinegar on your cervix with a swab to highlight the area). Again, not bad at all, and kind of interesting if they let you see your cervix on the VCR monitor that they use. So, you won't know until you see your Gynecologist, but start gathering some information (use a search online with key words like PAP smear, colposcopy, LEEP, cervical dysplasia, and HPV). Then, as you are finding out, you can be thinking about options, asking good questions, etc. I was panicked at first also, but really, my doctor has encouraged me and said that with yearly PAPs, all these things can be easily taken care of. Good luck to you - let me know.