Abnormal Pap Test After Total Hysterectomy

Hi Ladies,

I'm not sure where to post this, since I'm 3 years post-op, but I have a question and also wanted to make you aware of the importance of having a Pap test, even if you no longer have a cervix.

My Gyn never told me that I would still need a Pap after my total hysterectomy three years ago. My GP at the time told me that since I no longer had a cervix and since I'd never had an abnormal Pap test before that I no longer needed to have the test. However, my new GP recommended a Pap during my annual physical last week, and so I went ahead and had one done - my first since my surgery 3 years ago.

I got the results back today, and it was abnormal. The report reads a finding of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (the ASCUS designation under the Bethesda System.) The report also indicates that I may have bacterial vaginosis. I was given a prescription for a vaginal antibiotic, and told to return in a month for another Pap test.

I know through my research that the infection (which I was not aware of even having) can cause cell changes, so I'm hoping that once I've used the antibiotic, the next Pap will be normal. However, I'm wondering if the abnormality might be caused because the sample was taken from the vaginal cuff and not the cervix. Wouldn't the difference in the cells of the vagina show up as being atypical if they were looking for cervical cells?

My question is has anyone else had an abnormal Pap after a total hysterectomy?

My comment to all new Princess is - have a Pap, even if it's not recommended by your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry.

s,

Lisa

Hi, (((Lisa))), another Mayflower!

I've had ASCUS and CIN since my surgery. My situation may be different than yours, because I did keep my cervix. But "atypical" cells are the same whether it is a vaginal vault smear or cervical.

I had mine tested for HPV and no surprise that it was positive, for one of the high-risk strains. I had a cryo procedure and biopsy; since then I've increased my folic acid, and just had my third normal smear in a row (in fact, my insurance wouldn't pay for this one since I should "only be once a year" ). You're definitely not alone in this!

The ladies over in CC might have some advice for you; I've seen posts similar to yours over there.

Hey, aren't you up awfully late???



Audrey

I do still have a cervix and will still need regular smears.
I haven't had one for 18 years and just wondered when the surgery was performed if abnormal cells would have been spotted.
I forgot to tell my gyn I hadn't had a smear in a long time.
But he never made any comment on the condition of my cervix but presume it must have been ok or he would have whipped it out too along with everything else.
Hope the pap comes back normal for you after the anti biotics.
shellshocked

Hi there, I am a new user/reader.

I was very interested to learn that you should still have a Pap test even with no cervix remaining following hyst. I had my hyst 8 years ago and have not had any smear since.

I had endometriosis and have been told that it may have come back following pain and then an internal scan. Having laparoscopy at the end of June. I went to the doctors with the pain and dull aching on my vulva which is also quite swollen on one side. have also experienced painful intercourse and bleeding afterwards. I dont think this is a good sign and would like to know if anyone else has had anything like this after hyst>

Thanks very much.

Hi Audrey,

It's good to hear from you!!! I started a Hysterversary thread over on the Beyond forum. Come on over and join the party when you can.

Thanks for the information. I've decided not to panic about this quiet yet. From the research I've done, it's more than likely just an infection causing the abnormal results. I'll do the antibiotic, then get a repeat Pap and see how that goes.

I hope your situation turns out okay. I can't believe your insurance company wouldn't pay for the repeat test, especially since it was a necessary follow-up! That's insurance for you!

I was up rather late last night. I'm actually off for the summer, and when I don't have to get up early, my bedtime gets later and later. Right now, I usually go to bed around 3 a.m., but by the end of summer, it'll be 5 or 6 a.m. I guess I'm just a night owl!

s to you and also to shellshocked and hifive for responding. Hifive, I'm not sure what could be causing your symptoms, but I hope you get some relief soon.

Lisa