Q&A
Abnormal Pap Smears
Question:
My recent Pap smear result came back abnormal. Is this something I should be worried about?
Being worried or alarmed is a completely normal reaction when told your Pap smear is abnormal, but it's important not to assume the worst. Abnormal Pap test results usually do not mean you have cervical cancer. It simply means that there are abnormal cells which may require further re-testing and evaluation by your doctor.
Often these abnormal cells are the result of an infection or an inflammation. Yeast infections, herpes, trichomonas, recent sexual activity or use of vaginal preparations are often things which cause an abnormal Pap smear result. Infections can often be easily treated with an antibiotic.
HPV or human papilloma virus is another common infection that could result in the abnormal Pap smears. HPV infections are most common among young women between the ages of 18 to 28, and up to 60 percent of sexually-active women may carry this virus on their cervix, genital area or skin, and are completely unaware of it.
In post-menopausal women, it could also be due to the thinning of the skin of the cervix. In this case, a hormone cream prescription will fix the problem.
In some cases, the Pap smear may suggest that there are some precancer cells and you may be asked to go for a colposcopy examination.
The bottom line? Abnormal conditions can indicate a variety of things, so your doctor will most likely recommend further evaluation such as an additional Pap test and possibly other tests. Ask your health care professional how soon you should repeat your Pap test and for other recommendations.
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