11630 SE 40th Ave, Suite C, Milwaukie, OR 97222 503.974.9283

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Abnormal Pap Smears

Being told that you have an abnormal pap smear can be incredibly scary and nebulous. There are many possible diagnosis within the “abnormal” description and at Flow Natural Health Care, we will go over your results in detail and explain all of your treatment options.

The mildest form of abnormality that is found on a pap smear is ASCUS. It stands for Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. It means the cells are not quite normal and not quite abnormal. ASCUS can be seen on a pap for many reasons including the presence of a HPV (human papilloma virus) infection or inflammation from hormones, intercourse or other vaginal infections. When a pap comes back with ASCUS, the next step is to test for the presence of HPV.

HPV has high-risk strains, those that lead to cellular changes causing cancer and low risk strains or not cancer causing. If high-risk strains of HPV are present then there is a strong possibility of any abnormality becoming worse and can potentially progress to cervical cancer if left untreated. The general recommendation is to watch and wait, repeating the pap in 4-6 months. At Flow Natural Health Care, we do not believe in waiting for a disease to develop or progress as we believe and actively participate in prevention. We have protocols to support your natural immunity to eradicate the virus from your body and help return the cells to their normal state.

After ASCUS, the next stages of abnormalities are LSIL (Low grade intraepithelial lesion) and HSIL (high grade intraepithelial lesion). These are further divided into CIN I, II or III. LSIL includes CIN I (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) which is the first stage of dysplasia (abnormally dividing or looking cells). HSIL includes CIN II and III. CIN III is the most advanced stage of abnormal without being cancer, so it is much closer to becoming cancerous. Carcinoma in situ is the most advanced stage of HSIL, which is the presence of cancer cells that have not spread. Both LSIL and HSIL require further testing beyond a Pap smear, treatment and thorough follow up. Flow Natural Health Care offers numerous treatment options for LSIL and some HSIL diagnosis.

Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer with regular pelvic exams and pap smears. A very exciting thing to know since we can do something about it! The distance between an abnormal pap and cancer is very large allowing time and opportunity to treat it effectively. We offer sophisticated, effective and gentle treatments for cervical abnormalities that prevent cancer from developing and work in alignment with the body’s natural immune system.

At Flow Natural Health Care, our diligent and friendly Naturopathic physicians have years of experience working with patients suffering from abnormal pap smears. We can help you understand whether you have an abnormal pap and what that can mean. Using a combination of natural and modern medical treatments, we’ll have you sorted out in no time!

Contact Flow Natural Health Care today to schedule a consultation with one of our professional and friendly practitioners! 503.974.9283