ABNORMAL CERVICAL SCREENING

A cervical screening test is conducted as part of a woman's routine health examination after the age of 21. It is not a diagnostic test but a screening tool used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix.

Abnormal cervical screening results may indicate the presence of infection or abnormal cells called dysplasia, but they do not necessarily denote cancer. These results highlight the requirement of supplementary testing to identify and confirm an underlying problem.

Causes of Abnormal Cervical Screening

An abnormal cervical screening result may indicate any of the following:

  • Dysplasia (abnormal cells that may be precancerous)

  • Atrophy or vaginal dryness, especially after menopause

  • An infection or an inflammation

  • Herpes

  • Trichomoniasis

  • Recent sexual activity

  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection

Symptoms Associated with Abnormal Cervical Screening Results

Usually, abnormal cells do not produce any symptoms. Even the presence of HPV in an abnormal cervical screening is asymptomatic. Therefore, regular cervical screening is beneficial in the early detection of any abnormalities.

An abnormal cervical screening result secondary to a sexually transmitted infection may induce the following symptoms:

  • Abnormal discharge from the vagina, such as a change in the amount, colour, odour or texture

  • Abnormal sensations such as pain, burning, or itching in the pelvic or genital area during urination or sex

  • Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes or warts on or around the genitals

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