The Positive Pap Smear: What to Do After the Dreaded Call

OK... It happened to you. You got the dreaded call. Your doctor's office just called to say that your Pap smear came back "with abnormal cells" and you need to schedule another appointment. So... what now? There are some pretty viable alternatives to freaking out.

- Don't panic. A positive Pap test does not necessarily mean a major issue. Very often Pap smears are false positives, i.e. overread and/or misinterpreted. The positive result could be due to something as innocuous as a treatable inflammation or benign changes in the cervix (e.g. during (pre)menopause). So, suppress all thoughts of doom involving cancer, surgery, pain, mutilation, infertility, and death, and take a deep breath. The Pap smear is a screening, not a diagnostic, tool, which means that you have not been diagnosed with anything yet. All that is happening so far is that the screening has raised a red flag or two and your physician needs to do further testing.

- Don't go into denial. This is the reverse reaction to panic and it is as much a manifestation of fear as a panic attack. Only different. A positive result may not be the end of the world, but it could signify a condition that needs to be caught and treated early. Be calm and proactive. You need to take care of yourself and this is the time to do it.

- Ask for information. Sometimes you will just be told that there are "abnormal cells" and you need to come in for more testing. If this is too little and too vague for you, do not hesitate to ask for more information. What abnormal cells? Just atypical or indicative of more serious change? What testing needs to be done now? A repeat smear or a colposcopy? Are there indications of an STD infection (e.g. HPV)? Will your physician be performing an HPV test? Better still, ask for a copy of your lab report.

- Do your homework. If research works for you, by all means do it. There is a wealth of information on the web as well as health-related online communities that can help you understand the lingo. Healthboards.com is a knowledgeable and supportive community that springs to mind. More importantly, you will see that you are not alone in this, and you will be encouraged by the experience and wisdom of others.

- Take notes. Make a list of your questions for when you go to your medical appointment. You will probably be nervous, so the list will help you remember all the important stuff and be to the point. Do not be discouraged or intimidated by your ignorance about medical issues. Write down all your questions and ask away.

- Explore your options. Clinicians' follow-up protocols to a positive Pap test can vary from medical practice to medical practice. If something doesn't feel right to you, or if you think you could use a second opinion, do so. Be assertive, optimistic, and proactive.

- Remember: A positive Pap smear does not necessarily mean cancer. In the majority of cases it does not. Use this experience as an opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle (give up smoking, eat healthily) and to appreciate the gift of medical screening and preventive medicine.