Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean I Have Cancer?

Each year in the United States, approximately 13,960 women receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer, and sadly, about 4,310 women die from the disease.

These figures are substantially better than in past decades when invasive cervical cancer was a leading cause of cancer death among women in the US.

The reason for this improvement? Increased participation in regular cervical cancer screenings, primarily through the Pap smear test. Thanks to Pap testing, the survival rate for women diagnosed with cervical cancer is significantly higher than ever before.

At Hibari Family Medical in Edgewater, New Jersey, our medical team understands that abnormal Pap test results can cause anxiety. We want to reassure you that this result does not automatically mean you have cancer. Here is essential information you should be aware of.

What are Pap and HPV tests?

Cervical cancer screening typically involves a Pap test alone or a combination of a Pap test and an HPV test.

For women between the ages of 21 and 65, we generally recommend screening every three years. Starting at age 30, you have the option of having:

• A Pap test every three years
• An HPV test every five years
• A combined Pap/HPV test every five years

While the HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is common in young adults and often resolves on its own, testing for it is most beneficial for women aged 30 and older.

The Pap test

Performed during a routine pelvic exam, the Pap smear is the only method that can find abnormal cervical cells before they turn cancerous, or detect early-stage cancer when it's most treatable.

For the procedure, we use a small, soft brush to collect cells from the cervix gently — the lower, narrow part of your uterus that connects to the vagina. Then, we analyze these cell samples under a microscope to detect cancer or precancers, which are abnormal cell changes that could develop into cancer without treatment.

The HPV test

HPV is a group of related viruses. While many types of HPV can be sexually transmitted, only two high-risk types — HPV types 16 and 18 — cause about 70% of cervical cancers and precancerous lesions.

Since there's a link between most cervical cancers and high-risk HPV, the HPV test (if you choose to have it) gets performed at the same time as your Pap smear. Similar to the Pap test, we collect a swab of cervical cells and check them specifically for a high-risk HPV infection.

What an abnormal result really means

Given that the Pap test's purpose is to prevent and detect cervical cancer, it is completely normal to worry when you get an abnormal result. 

We can clarify the significance of this result.

Most abnormal results do not indicate cervical cancer. Instead, they usually show cell changes that could potentially lead to cancer if left untreated. A high-risk HPV infection typically causes these changes; most women with an abnormal Pap also test positive for HPV.

Low-grade changes

We classify abnormal cervical cell changes by their severity. Minor, low-grade changes frequently return to normal without intervention. For this reason, they often require only watchful waiting, usually through more frequent Pap tests to monitor the cells.

High-grade changes

Serious, high-grade changes are more likely to progress into cervical cancer if not removed. These high-grade changes often get referred to as cervical precancers.

Next steps after an abnormal Pap smear

If your Pap results show profound, high-grade cell changes, the first follow-up procedure we may recommend is a diagnostic colposcopy. This quick, in-office procedure utilizes a special magnifying instrument to examine the cervix closely, helping us accurately determine the severity of your cell changes.

Treatment for abnormal cells

Based on your colposcopy results, we may advise a treatment to eliminate any remaining abnormal cells, which often involves a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

LEEP is a highly effective method for removing precancerous or cancerous cells before they develop or spread. It uses a thin wire loop with an electric current to excise a thin layer of cervical tissue.

Regular screening saves lives

To learn more about your abnormal Pap results or to schedule an appointment, call the office or use our online booking tool today.