Do Abnormal Pap Results Indicate Cancer?

A Pap smear is an important preventive test that checks for abnormal cells, including those that could indicate human papillomavirus (HPV) or cervical cancer. An abnormal result can be concerning, but it does not automatically mean you have cancer.

At Artemis OB/GYN in Union, New Jersey, Dr. Nicola Pemberton provides various women’s health treatments, including Pap smears. She’s an experienced OB/GYN provider offering obstetric care, treatments for abnormal bleeding, and diagnostic ultrasounds.

What are Pap smears?

A Pap test is an important screening tool for women that checks for inflammation, infections, and precancerous changes.

For the test, we insert a speculum into the vagina and use a tiny brush to collect cervical cells. The brush is placed in a vial, which we send to a lab for testing. You may feel some slight cramping or discomfort during the procedure.

A Pap test helps with the early detection of cancer and other issues that could affect reproductive health. Regular screenings provide peace of mind and allow early treatment if needed.

An abnormal Pap: Is it cancer?

Changes in cervical cells can cause an abnormal Pap test result, but this does not always indicate cancer. The test checks for many different changes, including those caused by infection, inflammation, precancerous changes, or HPV. In many cases, these changes are not serious.

Often, an abnormal Pap test does not mean you have cancer. It can signal a higher risk in the future, but most of the time it reflects common cell changes that can occur for many reasons.

Some findings, such as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and adenocarcinoma in situ, may reflect early changes that need further investigation. Additional testing helps determine your risk and ensure you get the right follow-up and care.

What else could an abnormal Pap mean?

Most women with an abnormal Pap smear won’t have cancer, but may have inflammatory changes that indicate other issues. HPV is an extremely prevalent reason for an abnormal Pap smear. It’s a sexually transmitted virus that can cause precancerous changes in cells.

If your HPV test is negative, the abnormal Pap could indicate various other conditions, including yeast infections, hormonal changes, and uterine polyps or fibroids. Any type of inflammation and irritation within the cervix can lead to cell changes that aren’t cancerous.

The next steps in treatment

An abnormal Pap smear warrants further investigation in all cases. We schedule an appointment to discuss the findings and next steps in treatment.

Another pelvic exam with a colposcopy is the most common next step to look further at the abnormal cells. During the exam, we apply a solution to the cervix to highlight abnormal areas. We may then take biopsies of these areas to examine the abnormal cells under a microscope.

If the results aren’t serious, we may have you follow up in a few months to watch the abnormal cells. For high-grade changes that could turn into cancer, we recommend either the LEEP procedure, cold knife conization, or a total hysterectomy in severe cases.

To book an appointment for a Pap smear, call or message our office in Union, New Jersey, today, or schedule a consultation using our convenient online booking feature.