Abnormal results from a medical test of any kind can be unnerving. When it comes to Pap smear results, however, abnormal results are both common and not cause for alarm.
Most abnormal Pap smear results aren’t followed by a cancer diagnosis. Still, it’s important to partake in follow-up measures.
The women’s health specialists at Midwest Regional Health Services in Omaha, Nebraska, provide Pap smears and follow-up tests to help keep your wellness in a positive place.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, making it a prime time to learn more about Pap smears. If you're alerted to abnormal results, read on about what happens next.
A Pap smear is a screening tool that looks for cellular changes associated with cervical cancer. It only takes a few moments, typically during routine pelvic exams. Most people with a uterus should get a Pap smear every three years, more often if certain health issues are at play.
During your Pap smear, your provider uses a swab to collect cells from the surface of your cervix, the opening of your uterus. This painless process brings results within hours or days once a lab analyzes your tissue sample.
An abnormal Pap smear result means some cells in your tissue sample don’t look normal. Possible causes of the abnormality include:
Pap smears can yield false positives, so it may also turn out the cells weren’t abnormal at all.
Less than 4% of Pap smears yield abnormal results, and even fewer cases are cancerous. If that’s the case for you, the good news is the cancer was likely detected early and is treatable.
In most cases, abnormal Pap smear results require a closer look. Your provider may recommend a follow-up test, such as a repeat Pap test, HPV test, transvaginal ultrasound, or colposcopy.
A colposcopy uses a magnifying tool to examine your cervix. In some cases, a biopsy is performed as well, in which a small amount of additional tissue is retrieved for analysis.
If your tests reveal precancerous cells, they’re removed to keep them from progressing into cervical cancer. If you do have cervical cancer, you’re referred to a specialist to begin treatment.
Once you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear result and received any needed care, your provider may recommend you return for another Pap smear in six months. If you had a false positive result, you can likely stick to a test every few years.
To learn more about your Pap smear results or get started with compassionate follow-up care, contact Midwest Regional Health Services today.
