My Pap Test Results Are Abnormal; Should I Be Worried?

Undergoing routine Pap tests is one of the best and most effective ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. But the process itself is awkward and uncomfortable. Then come the days of waiting for your results. 

Although most women receive a clean bill of health, about 3.8% of Pap tests come back with abnormal results. This can be worrisome, but the good news is, there’s likely nothing to worry about.

At Ample Health, board-certified internist Deeraj Kamra, MD, and Yelena Popova, PA, regularly perform Pap tests and analyze the results. Although abnormal findings are rare, our team can ease your concerns and make personalized treatment recommendations, if necessary.

Here’s everything you need to know about abnormal Pap test results and when you should worry.

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test, or Pap smear, is a quick, outpatient procedure that screens for cervical cancer. We collect a cell sample from your cervix, then send your sample to a lab, where it’s analyzed for cancerous cells.

What does it mean if my Pap test results are abnormal?

To be clear, an abnormal Pap test result doesn’t mean you have cancer.  Instead, it means that some of your cervical cells looked unusual. This can occur for various reasons, including yeast infections, bacterial infections, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Hormonal changes and benign (noncancerous) growths can also affect the appearance of cervical cells. 

So, too, can vaginal creams and gels, douches, and even sexual intercourse. If you used these products or had sex within 48 hours of your Pap test, they can affect your results. 

What to do if your Pap test is abnormal

If your Pap test result is abnormal, we may recommend a second Pap test to confirm your results. If your second Pap test again indicates cell abnormalities, you undergo a cervical biopsy (colposcopy). 

A colposcopy allows for a more thorough cervical exam. During the procedure, we use a special magnifying tool to assess the appearance of your cervix. If we find any concerning areas — like a group of abnormal cells — we collect a tissue sample (biopsy) and send it to a lab for analysis. 

Undergoing a colposcopy can be scary, but it’s relatively quick and nearly pain-free. If we need to collect a tissue sample, you might feel a pinch or mild cramping, but any discomfort should subside quickly.

Treatment options for an abnormal Pap test

Once we receive your colposcopy results, we develop a treatment plan. That might include:

Waiting and watching

Abnormal cells identified during a Pap test are rated on a scale from low-grade to high-grade. Low-grade changes indicate minor abnormalities, whereas high-grade changes indicate a potentially serious problem.

If we identify low-grade changes, we typically recommend a wait-and-watch approach. This involves routine Pap exams to ensure the cells don’t change significantly.

Loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP)

If we identify high-grade changes and we’re concerned about your risk of cervical cancer, we might recommend a LEEP procedure. During this procedure, we use a wire loop, heated with an electrical current to remove the abnormal cervical tissue.

The bottom line

Learning your Pap test results are abnormal is worrisome, but less than 1% are related to cervical cancer. Partnering with our Ample Health team for women’s health can provide peace of mind and significantly reduce your risk of complications.

If it’s time to schedule your next Pap test, contact Ample Health in Carmichael, California, today. Call our office or book your appointment online.