Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean I Have Cancer?

Doctors perform about 50 million pap smears every year in the United States. This screening tool effectively helps detect cervical cancer early on and prevents serious complications.

Understandably, with so many tests being performed, about 3.8% come back with “abnormal” results. “Abnormal” is not a diagnosis of cancer. 

The OB/GYN team at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills in South Bay, Redondo Beach, and Beverly Hills, California often perform pap smears as part of annual wellness exams. They encounter abnormal results and want you to know that in the vast majority of cases, abnormal results are not of extreme concern.

Read on to learn why you should not panic about abnormal pap results but why you should follow our recommendations for further testing or screenings. 

Understanding Pap smears

A Pap smear is a screening tool used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It's an invaluable test because it accurately identifies changes in cervical cells that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. 

When a Pap smear test comes back abnormal, it simply means that some cells in the cervix don't look normal. The result is not a diagnosis of cancer.

Common causes of abnormal results

You may have an abnormal Pap smear result because of the following factors. Most of these are not related to cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The most common cause of abnormal Pap smears is HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. While a small number of strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, most do not, and the infection often clears on its own without causing any problems.

Infections

Other types of infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, can cause changes in cervical cells, leading to abnormal results.

Inflammation

Inflammation of the cervix, which can be due to various factors like irritation from recent intercourse, can also result in an abnormal Pap smear.

Cellular changes

Hormonal changes, especially around menopause, can cause benign (non-cancerous) changes in cervical cells.

What to do if you receive an abnormal Pap smear result

If you receive an abnormal Pap smear result, we usually recommend further testing to determine the cause of the abnormal cells. Sometimes, we simply ask that you wait a few months and repeat the Pap smear. In many cases, your next results come back normal as any irritation subsides.

Other testing we may recommend includes:

• HPV Testing to check for the presence of high-risk HPV strains
• Colposcopy to closely examine the cervix using a special magnifying instrument
• Biopsy to take a small sample of tissue from the cervix for further examination

Which options we recommend depend on your current health, family and personal medical history, and your preferences. 

Even though an abnormal Pap smear result is likely not a sign of cancer, it’s important that you follow up on an abnormal Pap smear result. If further tests show precancerous cells, we can recommend treatment options to remove or destroy the abnormal cells before they have a chance to develop into cancer.

We know that an abnormal Pap smear result can be alarming, but it's important to remember that it does not mean you have cancer. Regular screenings and timely follow-up care are the best ways to protect your cervical health. 

If you have concerns about your Pap smear results or are due for a test, don't hesitate to reach out to us.Call or use the online tool to book an appointment at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills today.