Abnormal Pap Smear Care

The University of Kansas Health System offers evidence-based care for abnormal Pap smear results. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians provide leading-edge diagnosis and treatment for women with abnormal Pap smears.

Approximately 1 in 10 Pap smears show abnormal cervical cells. Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection, can cause various cervical cell changes. These changes can include:

• Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
• Squamous intraepithelial lesion
• Atypical glandular cells
• Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells

We offer a dedicated abnormal Pap Smear clinic at its Kansas City, Kansas women's health location. Here, your care team will explain any cell changes and help you understand your risk. You may need additional testing or procedures during the diagnosis process. Our team, which includes nationally recognized gynecologists and pathologists, will provide a thorough assessment of tissues gathered during a colposcopy and biopsy.

Your doctor may recommend a colposcopy if your Pap smear result is abnormal. This procedure allows your doctor to examine your vulva, vagina and cervix using a colposcope, a device that magnifies the doctor's view. In addition to a visual exam, your doctor may apply a vinegar solution that will help determine any suspicious tissue that should be biopsied, or removed for assessment. The tissue is delivered to a pathologist for analysis. Your care team will discuss the pathology results with you and recommend a care plan, if necessary.

Your doctor may also perform the LEEP procedure during a colposcopy. The procedure may be used for both diagnosis and treatment. After identifying suspicious tissue, your doctor will use the LEEP tool to remove the abnormal tissue. This procedure may be used to detect cervical cancer and other conditions of the cervix or vagina.

Additional treatment options include the laser or freezing of the abnormal tissue.

Our nationally recognized physicians specialize in the leading-edge treatment of gynecological conditions for women who receive abnormal Pap smear results. Our team is led by Kevin Ault, MD, director of general obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Ault is a world-renowned HPV researcher.