Skip to main content

What Comes After an Abnormal Pap Smear?

A Pap smear is the part of a women’s health exam conducted to detect cervical cancer. The test involves collecting a cell sample from your cervix, which your doctor then sends to a lab to be checked for abnormalities. Southern Crescent Women's HealthCare recommends that women between the ages of 21–65 get screened every three years.

Understanding your results

Your Pap smear can alert your doctor at Southern Crescent if any suspicious cells are present, and if you need further testing.

Normal pap smear

If your doctor discovers only normal cells during your Pap smear, your result is said to be negative. In this case, you won’t need any further testing or treatment until your next regularly scheduled exam.

Abnormal pap smear

An abnormal Pap test is said to be a positive result. If your results come back positive, it means your cell sample showed abnormal cells on your cervix — this does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, though.

What to do after an abnormal pap smear

The first thing you need to do is to calm down. Even if your results indicate cervical cancer — which they might not — Pap smears exist to aid early detection and treatment.

Your doctor at Southern Crescent will go over your results with you and explain any further testing or treatment you may need.

Most of the time, a positive Pap result means your cells have undergone changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). An extremely common sexually transmitted disease, HPV can be linked to cervical cancer.

Other possible results include:

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)

On a healthy cervix, cells grow thin and flat. ASCUS occurs when the surface cells aren’t normal. Usually, your doctor will conduct another test to screen for HPV, and if HPV isn’t present, there’s probably no risks associated with ASCUS.

Squamous intraepithelial lesion

This result means there are possible cancerous cells on your cervix. They can be low-grade or high-grade, but your doctor will likely order more tests either way to make sure.

Atypical glandular cells

Glandular cells make mucus. They grow in the opening of your cervix and inside your uterus, and atypical glandular cells could be cancerous. Your doctor will order more tests to determine whether they are or not.

Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells

This result means the abnormal cells on your cervix are likely cancerous.

Whatever the abnormal results, you will most often undergo a colposcopy and/or a biopsy to confirm whether or not you have cervical cancer.

During a colposcopy, your doctor will look at your cervix with a colposcope, a tool with a light that allows your doctor to see more clearly into your cervix. If your doctor finds abnormal-looking areas, he’ll take a biopsy and send the sample to a lab for further testing.

Should you need removal of abnormal cells, Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare offers two options: a LEEP and cryotherapy.

During a LEEP, your doctor removes abnormal cells by inserting a thin, looped wire into your vagina and using an electric current to remove cells. Cryotherapy uses a special probe to freeze and remove atypical cells.

Don’t put off this important screening. If you’re due for a Pap smear, call our location closest to you or book an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Is a Midwife Right for You?

Is a Midwife Right for You?

Are you pregnant and wondering if working with a midwife makes the most sense for you? Take a moment to learn about modern midwifery and the reasons partnering with one of the specialized providers helps you thrive during pregnancy and childbirth.
How to Get to the Bottom of Your Vaginal Dryness Symptoms

How to Get to the Bottom of Your Vaginal Dryness Symptoms

Do you struggle with vaginal dryness? Many women experience this uncomfortable condition as they age, but that’s not the only cause. Understanding the reason why you’re experiencing vaginal dryness is the first step to finding relief.

5 Reasons to Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy

Your pelvic floor plays a big role in your overall health. Read on to learn what the pelvic floor is, how a compromised pelvic floor can cause problems, and how problems with the pelvic floor can be treated.
What is a Keepsake Ultrasound?

What is a Keepsake Ultrasound?

Are you expecting a baby and want to get a sneak peek? With a keepsake ultrasound, you can  see your child, get photos of them, and more. Learn more about the types of ultrasounds that can help you bond with your baby.