I Had an Abnormal Pap Smear. Now What?

Pap smear testing is one of the most significant advances in the history of women’s health, and it’s a key part of routine well-woman exams. But results that come back with abnormal findings can trigger immediate stress and worry for women. 

At V Care OB/GYN in New York City, Gabriela Olaru, MD, and our team strive to deliver relevant and actionable health advice to the women in our care. Here, we look at what happens if you receive an abnormal Pap smear test result.

Pap smear testing is a powerful screening tool

Pap smear testing has been a cornerstone of women’s health care for over 60 years. This simple test involves collecting a small sample of cervical cells during a routine pelvic exam. 

We send these cells to a lab for microscopic assessment. Technicians look for changes in the cells that could indicate cancer or precancerous shifts. That lets your V Care OB/GYN provider take action in the earliest stages of cervical cancer, when treatment is often most effective. 

Before Pap smear testing became widely available, cervical cancer was a leading cause of death in women. Today, the risk of death due to cervical cancer is greatly reduced thanks to early detection via Pap smear screening. 

Cervical cancer continues to be a serious health issue in less-developed parts of the world, where women lack access to this basic health screening tool.

What abnormal means

If Dr. Olaru says that your Pap smear results are abnormal, that means the technicians who examined your cervical cells noted differences in some cells compared to healthy ones. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Many Pap smear results that come back as abnormal have no link to cancer of any kind. However, an abnormal test result does mean you should come in for follow-up care. 

That could take several forms, depending on the abnormalities noted in your screening. We often perform HPV testing at the same time as a Pap smear or when abnormal results come in. 

Possible steps after an abnormal Pap smear

Because human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to be a causal factor for cervical cancer, we urge testing for this common infection. If you test positive for a strain of HPV considered high risk for cervical cancer, you need more frequent screenings for a period of time.

In the vast majority of cases, the immune system clears HPV infections within a year or so, with no additional treatment required. 

A colposcopy is another common follow-up after an abnormal result. That involves a lighted magnifying device, giving Dr. Olaru a better view of your cervix. It’s a visual assessment; the device doesn’t enter your body. 

A biopsy is often part of the colposcopy process. With a biopsy, Dr. Olaru removes a small tissue sample from your cervix. You may feel a brief cramping or pinching sensation. She sends the sample to a lab for additional testing.

The results of these additional screening options guide your next steps. If Dr. Olaru finds areas of concern, there are options for removing abnormal cells. If cancer is present, she sits down with you to discuss available treatment paths in detail. 

Don’t panic if you receive an abnormal Pap result

Remember, the majority of women who receive abnormal Pap smear test results don’t have cancer. So, try to remain calm if your Pap screening doesn’t come back as expected. 

If you’re overdue for your well-woman exam or want to learn more about the role that Pap smear testing plays in women’s health, call our office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side or book your visit online today.