Abnormal Pap Smear

The primary purpose of a pap smear is to detect the presence of abnormal cells on the cervix and cervical cancer. A pap smear is a screening test and therefore if any changes indicate abnormality, further evaluation and treatment may be needed.

One of the most common causes of abnormal pap smears is HPV (Human Papilloma virus). HPV is a sexually transmitted disease but can go undetected for a long time without any symptoms. HPV can cause abnormal cells on your cervix and sometimes even genital warts. Please contact your gynecologist if you need an appointment to be checked for HPV.

If your pap smear came back abnormal don’t be scared.   Early detection of abnormalities of your cervix can help you out a lot if treated properly.   Cervical cancer tends to progress at a slow rate and can be treated.   Yearly pap tests are crucial in detecting abnormal cell changes before they turn into cancer.   Minor cell changes may only require a repeat pap smear in 6 months to 1 year.   Sometimes abnormal cells will clear on their own over time.   It is important to follow-up with repeat pap smears as recommended by your doctor in case the abnormalities do not become normal. 

If an abnormal pap smear has more significant cell changes, other procedures may need to be done. A colposcopy and possible cervical biopsy may be recommended. These procedures may be necessary in order to get a sample of the cell abnormality and evaluate. Based on those results, your doctor will determine the treatment needed. After treatment, repeat paps are very important.

Abnormal Pap Smear Results:

ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance)

LGSIL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion)

ASC-H (Atypical Squamous Cells: Cannot Exclude High-Grade SIL

HGSIL (High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion)

AGC (Atypical Glandular Cells)

Cervical Dysplasia (link)

Note: Check with your doctor for specific type of abnormality and recommended treatment.