Question 1

what are the chances a normal pap smear missed cervical cancer? does this happen often? how accurate are they?

Accepted Answer

: Any single pap smear can miss early cervical cancer, but at your age cancer is so rare that you really shouldn't worry about it. Also, if HPV testing was included with your pap and was negative, that's additional reassurance nothing is wrong. But if you remain concerned, discuss it with the doctor or clinic where you get your paps.

Question 2

what are the chances pap smear would miss cervical cancer twice? abnormal spotting and bleeding in between periods. i have pcos and my dr said its the cause. can pcos cause this? 3 normal trans vag ultrasounds. my endometrial lining is very thin?

Accepted Answer

: Pap smear almost never misses cervical cancer. The other conditions you mention could be responsible. You also need testing for STIs if not yet done, especially gonorrhea and chlamydia. Discuss with your doctor. Good luck.

Question 3

can precancerous or cervical cancer be missed on paps 3 years in a row ? how likely does it happen?

Accepted Answer

: Never say never. PAP smear is a screening test and could miss the diagnosis. However, it would be unlikely for the lesion to be missed three years in a row. If you have any concern, you may ask your doctor for colposcopy and biopsy.

Question 4

how likely is cervical cancer with normal paps 3 years in a row but hpv positive neg 16/18 ? can it be missed in pap smears?

Accepted Answer

: Very low risk. Don't worry about it.

Question 5

i am a 30 year old female. active, healthy. had a pap done in july. periods are irregular.  one month ok, next missed.  scared. ovarian cancer???

Accepted Answer

No: Irregular periods are simply a function of hormone imbalance, which is very common. See your Dr again to discuss methods of cycle regulation.

Question 6

40 yo healthy,nonsmoker woman.never miss a pap smear-last pap was 2019-hpv neg and normal.last week had colposcopy due to this yr's pap showing hpv 16,but pap nrml,biopsy came back cin3.getting leep.what r chances leep will come back cancer?unlikely?

Accepted Answer

: There is no point in trying to guess. It is good that you are getting  LEEP. Your impression of a low risk of cancer is correct.
Wish you good health!

Question 7

what cancers show up on a pap smear?

Accepted Answer

Short Answer: Cervical cancer. The goal is to detect early changes and not cancer. Its the screening test of choice and all women should have them done.

Question 8

endometrial cells on pap means cancer?

Accepted Answer

Generally no.: Endometrial cells can be 'normal' in a pap test depending upon the age of the patient and the time of the menstrual cycle in which the test was performed.  If a pap is collected in a premenopausal woman within 10 days of the onset of bleeding / menses, then the endometrial cells are most likely part of uterine shedding.  In postmenopausal women, a finding of endometrial cells needs explanation.

Question 9

do abnormal pap test results mean cancer?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Several things can make a pap smear abnormal including cancer, pre-cancer, infections, or even a false positive result.  If yours is abnormal you'll probably need either repeat or additional testing. Please see your doctor to discuss.

Question 10

is it likely for a virgin with no penetrative sex ever in their life to get cervical cancer? thanks! normal paps in the past.

Accepted Answer

Rare but happens: Most Cervical cancer is linked to strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease but some are not. There are also some virgins who acquire HPV without penetrating intercourse. The pap smear was around for decades before the HPV link was known &amp; found to be helpful in identifying pre-cancer changes so it could be treated/avoided. The frequency of paps is something you should work out with your doc.

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Doctor answers about:

Pap missed cancer

A member asked:

What are the chances a normal pap smear missed cervical cancer? does this happen often? how accurate are they?

A member asked:

What are the chances pap smear would miss cervical cancer twice? abnormal spotting and bleeding in between periods. i have pcos and my dr said its the cause. can pcos cause this? 3 normal trans vag ultrasounds. my endometrial lining is very thin?

A member asked:

Can precancerous or cervical cancer be missed on paps 3 years in a row ? how likely does it happen?

A member asked:

How likely is cervical cancer with normal paps 3 years in a row but hpv positive neg 16/18 ? can it be missed in pap smears?

A member asked:

I am a 30 year old female. active, healthy. had a pap done in july. periods are irregular. one month ok, next missed. scared. ovarian cancer???

A member asked:

40 yo healthy,nonsmoker woman.never miss a pap smear-last pap was 2019-hpv neg and normal.last week had colposcopy due to this yr's pap showing hpv 16,but pap nrml,biopsy came back cin3.getting leep.what r chances leep will come back cancer?unlikely?

A member asked:

What cancers show up on a pap smear?

A member asked:

Endometrial cells on pap means cancer?

A member asked:

Do abnormal pap test results mean cancer?

A member asked:

Is it likely for a virgin with no penetrative sex ever in their life to get cervical cancer? thanks! normal paps in the past.

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