Abnormal Pap Tests
Health Services > Abnormal Pap Tests                                                                                                                               En Español

What is a Pap smear?

The Pap smear (named for Dr. Papanicolaou who invented it) is a screening test to look for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the knobby, shorter end of the uterus and protrudes into the upper part of the vagina.

How does the pap smear check for cancer?

During your exam the clinician takes samples of the cells of the cervix. This is done with a wooden spatula (like a popsicle stick) and a special brush. There are two types of cells we want to check. Squamous cells are usually on the outer surface of the cervix (this is where the spatula is used). The second type of cells are columnar cells inside the cervical canal (which is where the brush is used).

When is the best time to do the pap smear?

The middle of your cycle (right between the start of one menstrual period and the start of the next period). It also helps to not place anything in the vagina for 48 hours before your exam - no vaginal medications, douches, tampons, or having sex.

My Pap smear shows infection. What does this mean?

The Pap smear can detect some infections as well as screen for cancer. Some infections, like yeast or bacterial vaginosis are not serious and can easily be treated or may not need treatment. Other infections may also be detected, such as herpes or trichomonas.

Does an abnormal pap smear mean I have cancer?

Probably not. The Pap smear is useful because it can detect changes in the cervix which range from mildly, moderately, or severely abnormal before actual cancer has developed. Before the invention of the Pap smear many more women died of cervical cancer because there was not a method to check for signs of change before cancer was present. Today, the Pap smear detects very early changes which are abnormal, and may eventually turn to cancer if nothing is done. However, if you have an abnormal Pap smear and you receive the follow-up recommended, the cervix will probably return to a normal, healthy condition.

What does the term dysplasia mean?

If your Pap smear shows dysplasia, this means that there are cells on the cervix that are turning abnormal and could turn to cancer if nothing is done. Dysplasia means, in Latin, "abnormal growth."

I've never had genital warts. Why does my Pap say I have the wart virus?

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus and can be transmitted sexually. The virus can remain silent for many years, never causing actual warts, and then may show up on the Pap smear. We do not see the actual virus, rather, we see cell changes caused by the virus.

Why is HPV so important if found on my pap? 

There are approximately 70 types of wart viruses. Some of these do not cause any serious problems. Other types of the virus may cause cells in the cervix to develop cancer. It is important to have regular Pap smears if you carry the virus.

My Pap smear used to say Class I or Class II. Why isn't the class reported on the Pap smear anymore? 

The "Class" system of Pap smears was changed to a new system called the Bethesda System. The Bethesda System describes the Pap smears according to how the cells look and how significant the changes are from normal. The old Class system was not so specific.

What will happen if I have an abnormal Pap smear and I don't do anything about it? 

It depends on how abnormal the Pap smear is. If the Pap smear is mildly abnormal, it may return to normal. However, if there is dysplasia (or pre-cancer) on the cervix, it is possible that it may clear up on its own, or it's possible that it may get worse. The worst possibility is that cancer could develop, and if it is an aggressive cancer, it could lead to death. That is why it is so important to follow Planned Parenthood's recommendations when you have an abnormal Pap smear. We will tell you exactly what you need to do next about the abnormal Pap smear.