A Pap smear is a routine screening test to detect changes in the cells of your cervix, which is the lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It’s often part of your annual well-woman exam, and the goal of a Pap smear isn’t to diagnose cancer — it’s to catch pre-cancerous changes or early abnormalities before they progress.
Cervical cancer was once one of the most common types of cancer among women, but Pap smears have changed that. Early detection gives you time and options to prevent serious disease, and our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta is here to help you understand what your results mean.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and if you’ve gotten abnormal Pap smear results, here’s what you need to know.
When you get a Pap smear, your clinician gently collects a small sample of cells from your cervix using a soft brush or spatula. The sample is then examined under a microscope to see whether the cells are normal or show signs of abnormal changes.
If your Pap smear comes back “abnormal,” it doesn’t mean you have cancer. What it does mean is that something in your cervical cells might need a closer look. The causes that can trigger abnormal results vary widely in severity and prognosis, and an abnormal Pap smear is an important cue for follow-up evaluation.
Here are some possible explanations for abnormal Pap results:
Low-grade cervical cell changes are mild abnormalities often linked to infection or temporary irritation. These may resolve on their own, but warrant closer monitoring.
High-grade cervical cell changes are more significant abnormalities, which can carry a greater risk of progressing to cervical cancer if left untreated.
Viruses are a common cause of cervical cell changes, and having an HPV infection could make your Pap smear come back abnormal. Most HPV infections clear naturally, but some may last and cause more serious abnormalities.
Sometimes, inflammation from infection or non-cancerous irritation can lead to atypical cell findings. After treating the cause, any follow-up Pap smears may come back with normal results.
If your Pap smear returns abnormal, our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta is here to guide you with care, clarity, and expertise. We review your results and give you an explanation of what they might mean. Then, we discuss the next steps.
We may recommend close monitoring and preventive care, like follow-up screenings for low-grade changes. We can also schedule and perform follow-up tests, such as colposcopy or biopsy, when indicated.
Given the wide range of what “abnormal” can mean, it’s impossible to know the exact cause without further investigation. Our team takes your medical history and overall health into account when recommending next steps, which can include:
These steps can help clarify the nature of the cell changes your Pap smear reported, and guide whether monitoring, treatment, or preventive care is needed. No matter the results, you’re not alone. We believe in shared decision-making, personalized care, and giving you the time and information you need to make the best choices for your health.
An abnormal Pap smear result can be alarming. But it’s important to remember that it’s often the first step toward preventing disease, not a diagnosis. Because many common causes of cervical cell abnormalities are treatable or reversible, follow-up testing is a powerful opportunity to protect your health.
Get answers to your questions and personalized recommendations for your health at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta in Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia. Contact us to book your first appointment today.
