An abnormal pap smear result can set your heart racing and raise many questions. Do I have cancer? What should I do next? Who should I call? While it’s normal to be concerned, Ashley Haggerty, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist at Riverview Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, says abnormal pap smears don’t always mean you have cancer.
“An abnormal pap smear result doesn’t automatically mean you have cervical pre-cancer (called dysplasia) or cancer. The results may be due to inflammatory changes,” she says.
Dr. Haggerty explains how regular pap smears can protect you from advanced cervical cancer and what to do if your pap smear results are abnormal.
What Is a Pap Smear?
Pap smears are laboratory tests used to screen for cervical cancer. During the test, which is performed in a gynecologist's office, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and biopsied. In addition to cervical cancer, pap smears also reveal precancerous cells.
Dr. Haggerty says pap smears are an important tool in preventing cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer tends to be a slower-growing cancer, so the goal is to detect a pre-cancerous abnormality and intervene before it turns into a cancer,” she says.
It’s generally recommended that women begin Pap smear screenings at age 21. Screenings can usually end at 65 and are not at high risk, or if you have undergone a hysterectomy.
What is Human Papillomavirus, and how does it affect Pap Smears?
Human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted disease that is generally harmless and resolves on its own. However, high-risk strains of HPV can cause cancer. Dr. Haggerty points out that over 80% of people will get the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives.
Because HPV can eventually lead to cervical cancer, Dr. Haggerty says pap smears can detect HPV cells, which can lead to abnormal pap smear results. She says that in many cases, abnormal results warrant careful surveillance and repeat testing.
Are There Other Tests to Screen for Cervical Cancer?
Pap smears are the best screening tool for cervical cancer, but Dr. Haggerty says new data have emerged that screening with a combination of a pap smear and an HPV test is most effective.
“The HPV testing is so informative that in many guidelines, the most updated recommendation is just for HPV testing alone for screening for cervical cancer,” says Dr. Haggerty.
How Often Should I Get a Pap Smear?
Dr. Haggerty says the frequency of HPV testing or Pap smear screenings depends on your previous results. If your tests are normal, they may be spaced out every 3 to 5 years. However, Dr. Haggerty points out that you should still go to your gynecologist for a yearly visit.
“Yearly well-woman visits are an important cornerstone of your overall health. In addition to screenings, the visit can provide important information about your reproductive and mental health,” she says.
What Happens If My Pap Smear is Abnormal?
Dr. Haggerty says your gynecologist may recommend a repeat Pap smear shortly thereafter or a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a microscopic examination of the cervix to look for visible changes. Further biopsies may be recommended if microscopic changes are detected.
Since Pap smears are screening tests, Dr. Haggerty says you may receive false-positive or false-negative results. She says a biopsy offers more definitive results.
“Biopsies reveal if there are pre-cancerous cells of the cervix. Based on those biopsy results, your doctor will recommend careful monitoring, another biopsy or a cervical excisional procedure,” she says.
Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Dr. Haggerty says the most important way to prevent cervical cancer is through regular, recommended Pap smears. But she also stresses the importance of HPV vaccines.
“With the introduction of Pap smears many years ago, the rates of cervical cancer have decreased by over 50%. We know that pap smears/HPV testing works to prevent cancer. We also know that the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Both are extremely important to prevent cervical cancer,” she says.
The HPV vaccine is given in two doses and recommended for children under 15. After age 15, the vaccine is given in 3 doses. The HPV vaccine is now available for men and women through at least age 45, including for those who did not get vaccinated when they were younger and are at risk for new infections. Dr. Haggerty suggests speaking to your gynecologist if you have questions.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our sources: Ashley Haggerty, M.D.
- Make an appointment online with a gynecologist near you, or call 800-822-8905.
- Learn more about our gynecologic cancer services.
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