Q. What does my abnormal pap test mean?
A. A pap test is a sample of cells from the cervix to screen for abnormalities. It was developed years ago to find cervical cancer. But over the years it proved useful to find less serious problems long before they became cancer. Dysplasia is a term best described as "disorderly growth" of the cells of the cervix. Mild dysplasia usually goes away on its own. Moderate and severe dysplasia can possibly progress to cancer if left unwatched or untreated.
An abnormal pap test will usually require further evaluation to determine if dysplasia is present and if it needs treated. Colposcopy is a minor medical procedure of "looking at the cervix and vagina" with a medically-designed magnifier. This is performed in the office. If an abnormality is seen, a small biopsy is usually taken and evaluated.
More details on this specific topic can be found at the ACOG website at www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp161.cfm.
Realize this site may contain information that is a general guideline and your doctor may choose a course that best fits your condition and history.
Q. Where is a resource for further, reliable information?
A. An excellent source of OB/GYN information can be found at www.acog.org. It is the website of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. On the home page is a menu tab called "Publications". Open it and scroll down to open the "Patient Education Pamphlets" section. Or you can type go directly there with www.acog.org/publications/patient_education.
Either way you get there, you now have public access to dozens of topics in obstetrics and gynecology. Please realize that they are general information only and cannot dictate your specific treatment. Your doctor(s) will have to consider your specific medical condition and other factors to determine your medical care.