An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. This usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Abnormal changes on your cervix are likely caused by HPV. The changes may be minor (low-grade) or serious (high-grade).
Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.
Other things can cause cells to look abnormal, including irritation, some infections (such as a yeast infection), growths (such as polyps in the uterus), and changes in hormones that occur during pregnancy or menopause. Although these things may make cervical cells look abnormal, they are not related to cancer.
You may also get abnormal results if precancerous or cancerous cells are already present. But sometimes, a health issue that's unrelated to cancer can also cause abnormal Pap results. These include: Hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause.
What causes an abnormal smear? Abnormal smears often represent a pre-cancerous abnormality on the cervix. These pre-cancerous abnormalities are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or Wart virus). This is a very common infection and 60-70% women (and men) get it at some stage in life.
Whilst about 1 in 20 women will have a smear test result which is abnormal, only about 1 in 2000 will have cervical cancer. That means approximately 1% of women with any grade of abnormal smear will have a cancer.
However, it is not unusual to have an abnormal result and it doesn't mean you have cancer. The smear test is designed to pick up minor changes in the cells of the cervix before any serious problems develop. One in twelve smears aren't normal, but it is extremely rare for an abnormality to be cancer.
ASCUS (say “ask-us”) stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. The squamous cells of your cervix were slightly abnormal on your Pap smear. ASCUS may be caused by a vaginal infection or an infection with a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus, or wart virus).
ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap test result. ASC-US stands for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells that make up the tissue that covers the cervix. LSIL—This means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal.
Possible reasons for abnormal Pap test results besides cancer include: Vaginal infection. Recent sexual activity. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
HPV-related cancers often take years to develop after getting an HPV infection. Cervical cancer usually develops over 10 or more years. There can be a long interval between being infected with HPV, the development of abnormal cells on the cervix and the development of cervical cancer.
Your doctor will probably recommend a follow-up test in a year to see if the infection has cleared or to check for signs of cervical cancer. Negative HPV test. A negative test result means that you don't have any of the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) , yeast infections can lead to an abnormal Pap smear finding called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). ASC-US is the most common abnormal Pap smear result.
Minor cell changes can disappear without the need for treatment, moderate to severe cell changes are more likely to be an indication of precancerous and could turn into cervical cancer. A normal test result indicates that your cervix is healthy. Your doctor will then schedule your next pap smear at All Women's Care.
Colposcopy. If you have certain symptoms that could mean cancer, if your Pap test shows abnormal cells, or if your HPV test is positive, you will most likely need to have a test called colposcopy. You will lie on the exam table as you do with a pelvic exam.
The risk that atypical glandular cell (AGC) abnormalities reflect precancerous changes is as high as 35 percent, the risk of cervical cancer is as high as 1 percent, and the risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer is as high as 3 percent [2,4-6]. For most people with AGC, colposcopy is done as a next step.
It can also indicate a disease or infection as well as changes caused by hormones or inflammation. The results may be influenced by other factors too, such as having had sexual intercourse, using a douche or applying vaginal cream in the two days prior to the Pap smear testing.
It is also natural to be concerned as to the severity of the cervical changes and what implications this may have on your health. However, an abnormal smear test result does not mean you have cancer. It simply means that there are changes to the cells which could potentially cause cancer in the future.
speak to the health professional beforehand to discuss your concerns if you think the test may be uncomfortable as they can offer support. ask someone you trust to go with you, such as a friend, relative or mental health worker, who can also be with you after your appointment.
Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous. Abnormal Pap tests are very common. In fact, of the 3 million women with abnormal Pap tests each year, less than 1% (13,240 cases) will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.
About 6 out of 10 women who have a colposcopy have abnormal cells in their cervix. The most common type of abnormality is known as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN isn't cancer, but it can sometimes develop into cancer if left untreated.
“I Received an Abnormal Pap Test. What's Next?” Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
Other things can cause cells to look abnormal, including irritation, some infections (such as a yeast infection), growths (such as polyps in the uterus), and changes in hormones that occur during pregnancy or menopause. Although these things may make cervical cells look abnormal, they are not related to cancer.
When subclinical HPV infects the skin cells in the cervix (skin cells on the cervix are called squamous cells), it causes the cells to change and become abnormal. When HPV causes abnormal cell changes on the cervix this is called cervical dysplasia.