If you've received an abnormal result after your recent Pap smear, you may be feeling concerned and unsure about what to expect.
Dr. Daniel Kushner provides compassionate care and expert guidance during these uncertain times. With more than 20 years of experience, he focuses on minimally invasive procedures and low-stress techniques to manage women's health needs.
Dr. Kushner is highly experienced in cervical cancer detection and management, including the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), which can serve as both a diagnostic and treatment tool when abnormal cells are involved.
For our July blog, we're discussing what LEEP is and when you might need one. We hope this knowledge and Dr. Kushner's caring support helps you feel confident about your future after an abnormal Pap smear.
An abnormal Pap smear rarely means you have cancer. About 5% of women have an abnormal Pap result during their lifetime, yet only about 0.6% of women develop cervical cancer.
An abnormal Pap smear simply means unusual cells appear on your cervix. These changes are often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and most cases don’t require invasive treatment. However, you need follow-up testing to make sure you're healthy and to minimize cervical cancer risk.
When your Pap smear results are abnormal, Dr. Kushner usually recommends a colposcopy next. In this procedure, he uses a high-powered microscope to view your cervix.
If he finds abnormal cells, he collects a small sample of that tissue for testing (a biopsy). Experts evaluate the sample in a laboratory setting and send a detailed report to Dr. Kushner. Results usually take around two weeks.
Based on your colposcopy results, Dr. Kushner may recommend a follow-up procedure like LEEP. The goal of LEEP is removing abnormal cervical cells before they morph into something more serious.
The procedure is simple and straightforward. Dr. Kushner uses a speculum to open your cervix and applies a solution that highlights abnormal cells.
You receive an injection of local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, to numb the cervical area and minimize any discomfort during the treatment. You may feel some pressure or mild cramping, but not severe pain.
While you're numb, Dr. Kushner uses a special wire loop to treat the abnormal tissue. It emits a mild electrical current that destroys unhealthy tissue.
Dr. Kushner applies a paste to stop the bleeding. Before you head home, we provide detailed information so you know what to expect over the next few days. It's normal to have some spotting and bleeding afterward, but most women can return to their regular activities within a day or two.
Studies have shown that colposcopy combined with LEEP is a highly effective approach for identifying precancerous cells, with one study showing a 100% detection rate. In addition, LEEP is highly effective for precancerous cell removal, with success rates of up to 99%.
If you have certain risk factors for recurrence, such as being over 55 or having an HIV infection, you could need more active monitoring than women without those risk factors.
If you need follow-up care after an abnormal Pap result, we’re here to support you. To book your appointment with Dr. Kushner, call our Queens office at 718-793-1995 or our White Plains office at 914-422-0222.
