My Pap Test Results Were Abnormal: Now What?

A Pap smear is a preventive screening that can identify cervical cell changes linked to early-stage cancer. As January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc. wants to remind women about the importance of routine Pap smears.

We offer comprehensive gynecology exams, Pap smears, and other preventive screenings in the office. Our team also provides any follow-up care you need for abnormal results.

Here, our highly skilled OB/GYNs want to highlight the information a Pap smear provides so you understand what normal and abnormal results mean.

The basics of a Pap smear

A Pap smear is a minimally invasive procedure to collect a sample of cells from the cervix, the narrow end of a woman’s uterus.  

Women between 21-29 should have a Pap smear every three years, even if they have no unusual symptoms. Between 30-65, women should schedule a screening every five years.  Those with a personal or family history of cancer, a weak immune system, or other risk factors for cervical cancer may need more frequent Pap smears.

During a pelvic exam, your physician inserts a small brush into your vagina to collect the cells for further evaluation under a microscope. The procedure is quick and painless, although you may feel some pelvic pressure. Some women also experience light vaginal bleeding after a Pap smear.

Understanding your Pap smear results

When your Pap smear results come back from the medical lab, our OB/GYNs explain them. There are three possible outcomes for testing:

Negative Pap smear

Negative results mean that your screening determined your cervical cells were healthy, and you won’t need additional testing until your next scheduled Pap smear.

Inconclusive Pap smear

If your Pap results are inconclusive, our team may recommend repeating the test or scheduling you for other diagnostic tests.

Positive Pap smear  

Positive Pap smear results can indicate the presence of cancerous cells in the cervix. Positive results may also mean you have abnormal cells that could become cancerous later.

In some cases, a positive Pap smear can be triggered by:

• Uterine polyps
• Yeast infection
• Hormone changes
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

Recent douching and sexual activity can cause abnormal results, affecting the outcome of your Pap smear.

What to expect after an abnormal Pap smear

Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc. offers follow-up testing to identify the root cause of abnormal Pap smear results.  Testing may involve:

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a follow-up procedure where Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc. assesses your cervical health.

Your provider applies a vinegar solution to the cervix during a colposcopy, making it easier to see abnormal tissue and cells. We insert a colposcope, an instrument that features a magnifying lens and bright light, to get a close-up view of your cervix.

Cervical biopsy

If a colposcopy reviews abnormal cells or growths, our providers remove a tissue sample (biopsy) during the same procedure. We can also remove potentially cancerous cells before they spread to other tissues.

Our providers send cell samples to the medical lab for further evaluation. If you have cancer or are at an increased risk for cancer, we discuss your options for treatment during a follow-up visit.

Call Salem Women’s Clinic, Inc. in Salem, Oregon, today to schedule your next Pap smear or book an appointment online.