Should a Pap smear be repeated if the first report reads “no endocervical cells found”? Also, what should I do if the Pap smear is normal, but high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected? What is the likelihood the HPV will resolve on its own over time?
—Smita Kapoor, MD, Phoenix
There is no medical reason to repeat a Pap smear that reads “no endocervical cells found,” but for medicolegal reasons, it is best to repeat the Pap smear after a shorter interval than usual. There is an 80% likelihood that the HPV in the cervix will resolve within one year without treatment.
—Daniel R. Mishell Jr, MD (118-17)
