What Happens When Pap Test Results are Abnormal?
During the pap test, also called the pap smear, a small number of cells are removed from the cervix through gentle scraping. The cell sample is sent to a lab to test for cell changes that could lead to cancer.
If your pap test comes back as “abnormal,” it doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Abnormal cells could be caused by factors such as infection or irritation. Also, abnormal cells may go through many states of change before cervical cancer appears, sometimes taking years.
Typically, abnormal pap smear results simply indicate a need for more tests. We may perform another pap test. We may also take a closer look through a colposcopy. With a colposcope, we can view the cervix under magnification. We may also use excision procedures to remove a small piece of cervix tissue for additional examination in a lab.
We know an abnormal pap test can cause you to worry, and we don’t take that lightly. We will do all we can to thoroughly explain each procedure, answer your questions and address your concerns.
