Abnormal Pap Follow-Ups (LEEP, Colposcopy)

At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, we protect our patients’ health with colposcopy exams and loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) when their Pap smear results reveal abnormalities. As a proud partner of the UNC Health system serving Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs, our patients enjoy convenient access to specialized diagnostic and treatment services. If you have received Pap results that require further evaluation with a colposcopy exam or interventive treatment with LEEP, our team is here to guide you through the process with personalized care.

Get the answers or treatment you need to protect your health now and in the future by contacting North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery today to schedule your colposcopy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure.

What Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?

Annual Pap smears are essential for the early detection of precancerous cells in the cervix. If your Pap results are abnormal, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. It indicates that further testing is needed to evaluate the changes in cervical cells. These changes could be caused by factors such as:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Inflammation or other types of infection
• Precancerous cells
• Cancerous cells

The presence of SIL, CIN and CIS cancerous and precancerous abnormalities in cervical tissue can be found in women of all ages. When clinical labs evaluate the results of Pap smears and cervical tissue samples, they report the findings using a standardized scale that is also used by physicians to determine if treatment is needed.

Women with an increased risk of precancerous changes progressing to cancer include those patients whose mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy, patients who are HIV positive, or patients who have a weakened immune system or a history of cancer.

Abnormal Pap Results: What Are the Follow-Ups and Treatments?

Some abnormalities in cervical tissue go away on their own, low-grade concerns may not need to be treated and your doctor may just require a repeat Pap exam to monitor for any ongoing changes. High-grade SIL abnormalities that have an increased risk of progressing to cancer may need to be treated surgically.

Colposcopy Exam: Considered non-surgical, a mild vinegar solution that makes abnormal cells easier to see is applied to the cervix first, and then the physician uses a specialized magnifying device called a colposcope to look for changes and if needed, they may take a small sample of cervical tissue to be sent for lab analysis.

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): An electrified loop shaped wire is used to remove cervical tissue that contains abnormal cells while simultaneously cauterizing blood vessels. For the majority of LEEP patients, the treatment is an office procedure performed with the use of a local anesthetic.

Cone Biopsy: If it’s determined that a deeper sample of cervical tissue is needed, it may be recommended that you undergo a cone biopsy. This type of biopsy is usually performed with general or spinal anesthesia as an ambulatory surgical procedure.

Why Choose North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery?

At North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery, our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate and thorough care for women in Raleigh, Holly Springs, and Cary, NC. From routine Pap smears to follow-up treatments like colposcopy and LEEP, we’re here to support your health every step of the way. Visit the following pages to explore our services or learn more about our skilled providers, as part of the UNC Health system, our practice offers comprehensive care for every stage of a woman’s life.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Colposcopy Exam or LEEP Follow-Up

If the results of your pap exam indicated the need for a colposcopy exam or treatment with a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, please don’t delay in requesting an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the outcome of any health concern. Prioritize your health today by contacting North Carolina OB/GYN & Midwifery in Holly Springs today to schedule your colposcopy or LEEP consultation.