 Show A Pap test result can be normal, unclear, or abnormal. An HPV test result can be positive or negative. Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early—
The Pap test is recommended for all women between the ages of 21 and 65 years old. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to get a Pap test only, an HPV test only, or both tests together. Pap Test ResultA Pap test result can be normal, unclear, or abnormal. NormalA normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. This is good news. But you still need to get Pap tests in the future. New cell changes can still form on your cervix. Your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years for your next screening test if you received a Pap test only. If you also received an HPV test, and the result is negative, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years for your next screening test. Unclear (ASC-US)It is common for test results to come back unclear. Your doctor may use other words to describe this result, like equivocal, inconclusive, or ASC-US. These all mean the same thing—that your cervical cells look like they could be abnormal. It is not clear if it’s related to HPV. It could be related to life changes like pregnancy, menopause, or an infection. The HPV test can help find out if your cell changes are related to HPV. Ask your doctor what to do next. AbnormalAn abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. This usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Abnormal changes on your cervix are likely caused by HPV. The changes may be minor (low-grade) or serious (high-grade). Most of the time, minor changes go back to normal on their own. But more serious changes can turn into cancer if they are not removed. The more serious changes are often called “precancer” because they are not yet cancer, but they can turn into cancer over time. In rare cases, an abnormal Pap test can show that you may have cancer. You will need other tests to be sure. The earlier you find cervical cancer, the easier it is to treat. HPV Test ResultAn HPV test result can be positive or negative. NegativeA negative HPV test means you do not have an HPV type that is linked to cervical cancer. Your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years for your next screening test. PositiveA positive HPV test means you do have an HPV type that may be linked to cervical cancer. This does not mean you have cervical cancer now. But it could be a warning. The specific HPV type may be identified to determine the next step. If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have
cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). That’s the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and can be linked to
cervical cancer. Changes to your cervical cells caused by HPV can be mild, moderate, or severe. Your doctor will review
your test results and let you know. Their answer will depend on what type of abnormal cells are found in your cervix. The most common ones are listed below. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Thin, flat cells called squamous cells grow on the surface of a healthy cervix. ASCUS occurs when these cells are not typical. Your doctor will do a test with a special liquid to see if HPV is present. If it’s not, there’s probably no need for
concern. Squamous intraepithelial lesion. These cells may be pre-cancerous. Doctors call changes to them “low-grade” or “high-grade.” If they’re low-grade, a pre-cancerous cell may not turn to cancer for many years. If it’s high-grade, the cells could turn to
cancer much sooner. Your doctor will likely order more tests, including a colposcopy, an instrument that shows changes in the cervix that may lead to a biopsy of cervical tissue to check for cancerous cells. Atypical glandular cells. These cells make
mucus. They grow in the opening of your cervix and inside your uterus. If they appear to be abnormal, your doctor will order more tests, including a colposcopy, to find out for sure if it’s cancer. Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells. This means the cells on your cervix are so abnormal, your doctor is almost certain it’s cancer. To be sure, your doctor will likely order two other tests -- a colposcopy and a biopsy. During a colposcopy, your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina, just like they did for the Pap test. This time, they’ll look at the cervix with a colposcope. This is a tool that has a lens and a bright light that allows your doctor to get a better look at your cervix. They will swab your cervix with vinegar or some other liquid solution. It’ll highlight any suspicious-looking areas. Your doctor will be able to see them through the lens on the colposcope. If your doctor finds areas that don’t look right, they’ll take a sample, called a biopsy. They’ll send the tissue to a lab for further testing. How often do abnormal cells turn into cervical cancer?The risk that atypical glandular cell (AGC) abnormalities reflect precancerous changes is as high as 35 percent, the risk of cervical cancer is as high as 1 percent, and the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer is as high as 3 percent [2,4-6]. For most people with AGC, colposcopy is done as a next step.
Why do I keep having abnormal Pap smears?In most cases, an abnormal Pap test is a result of: A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. A sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD), such as herpes or trichomoniasis. A bacterial or yeast infection.
Does abnormal Pap always mean cancer?Abnormal Pap test results: An abnormal test result may also be called a positive test result. Some of the cells of the cervix look different from the normal cells. An abnormal test result does not mean you have cancer. Your health care provider will recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment.
What happens after multiple abnormal Pap smears?What Happens After an Abnormal Pap Test? If your Pap test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy.
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How many abnormal pap smears are cancer
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