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.
Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about
Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it's important to follow up to make sure.
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.
A finding of cells that are cancerous (rather than precancerous) on a Pap test is rare, occurring in only 4.5 per 100,000 Pap tests [3]. If you have this result, you will need a biopsy of the cervix to confirm that cancer is present; this is usually performed during a colposcopy.
“I Received an Abnormal Pap Test. What's Next?” Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
There are also abnormal pap smears that do not require any medical action because the cervical cell changes can disappear on their own with time. However, a frequent pap smear is essential to monitor the cell changes behavior because some abnormalities may persist and become cancerous with time.
Most people with HPV do not know they have the infection. They never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening).
HPV-related cancers often take years to develop after getting an HPV infection. Cervical cancer usually develops over 10 or more years. There can be a long interval between being infected with HPV, the development of abnormal cells on the cervix and the development of cervical cancer.
More than 14,000 Americans develop cervical cancer each year. However, cervical cancer is a treatable condition, and there is an excellent chance of cure if the cancer is found and treated in the early stages.
A Pap test can detect cervical cancer and changes in your cervical cells that may increase your risk of cervical cancer in the future.
Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.
Whilst about 1 in 20 women will have a smear test result which is abnormal, only about 1 in 2000 will have cervical cancer.
It is usually a slow-growing cancer and if caught early can be successfully treated. Routine Pap smears can detect early changes in the cells of the cervix allowing cervical cancer to be diagnosed early.
The 5-year relative survival rates for cervical cancer are as follows: When cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 92%. When cervical cancer is diagnosed after it has spread to nearby tissues, organs, or regional lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 58%.
A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future.
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50 . It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age.
Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.
Most people with HPV don't have any symptoms or health problems. Sometimes HPV can cause genital warts. Some types of HPV can cause cancer.
If you got a positive HPV test and your Pap test was abnormal, your doctor will probably follow up with a colposcopy. Try to see a physician who specializes in this procedure. During a colposcopy, your doctor will look more closely at the cervix, vagina or vulva with a special microscope called a colposcope.
Most people with HPV do not experience symptoms. However, some types of HPV cause warts or bumps on the skin. They may occur in or around the genitals, anus, tongue, mouth, or lips. Sometimes, HPV also causes warts on other areas of skin, such as the hands or feet.
The most common way to remove abnormal cells is using a procedure called large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). LLETZ is often done at the same time as your colposcopy. You will not need to stay in hospital and can go home the same day.
You may need treatment if the results of your colposcopy show that there are abnormal cells in your cervix. The abnormal cells will be removed, which usually involves removing an area of the cervix about the size of a finger tip.