Cytology results are still given in the Papanicolau scale, which allows to detect neoplastic changes at a very early stage of development. Thanks to it, it is also possible to assess the condition of the cervix in general. Many women have no idea what the different pieces of information mean when they receive their pap smear results. Groups on the Papanicolau scale cause consternation – it is often not entirely clear whether one should be worried about the obtained result or not.
It is one of the most common groups in women, especially those who lead a sexual life. If you have just received this smear result, you do not need to worry, but at the same time you should be careful and find out from your doctor if there is a XNUMX% certainty that you have no reason to worry. Expert opinion is always the most important. Group II in cytology according to the Papanicolau scale means that:
- In addition to normal cells, there are also inflammatory cells.
- However, there are no pre-cancerous cells among them. So these are not abnormal cells, but only signal inflammation in the body.
- You may have an erosion as this result is most common in women who have it.
- You are not at risk as such a smear is considered ‘unsuspecting’.
- Nevertheless, the erosion should be treated – if inflammation has occurred, there is a good chance that the gynecologist will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, and then order a follow-up visit after the end of treatment.
- After the erosion is healed, you should repeat the cytology.
- In older women, it may mean retrograde changes that should be treated with estrogens, followed by another cytology for control purposes.
If your smear showed group I or II, you should repeat the examination every two-three years, repeating is also more frequent in the case of erosion treatment. Group III, and especially IV and V, inform about more serious changes in the body – they mean that there may have been “abnormal” cells, i.e. dysplastic cells – which may turn into cancerous cells over time.
As you can see, a Pap test is of great importance for the health of every woman, because many abnormalities may require appropriate treatment or be a contraindication to trying to get pregnant. Therefore, it is very important especially for couples planning a child – even inflammation or mild changes in a woman trying to get pregnant must be treated before fertilization so that they do not spread in the following months after conception. A bad cytology result can make it difficult not only to get pregnant, but also to maintain it.
With regularly repeated examinations, a woman has a good chance of overcoming cervical cancer in the early stages of the disease. From infection with the virus to the development of cancer, it usually takes three to ten years – which is why regularity is the most important here.