Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean I Have Cancer?

Pap smears are designed to screen for signs of cervical cancer, so hearing that your Pap smear results came back “abnormal” can feel unsettling. But an abnormal Pap smear doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. 

In fact, most abnormal results are caused by minor changes in cervical cells that can often resolve on their own or be easily treated.

Below, our team of expert providers at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates in Marietta, Georgia, explains what an abnormal Pap smear can mean.

What does your Pap smear look for?

A Pap smear is a routine screening test that looks for abnormal changes in the cells of your cervix. The goal is to catch cell changes early — long before they have the chance to develop into cervical cancer. 

Pap smears are an important part of preventive women’s health and are often combined with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing since HPV is the most common cause of cervical cell changes. In fact, nearly all cervical cancers stem from a chronic infection with one of 13 carcinogenic HPV strains: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68.

When an HPV test is done at the same time as your Pap smear, it’s called co-testing. 

Learn more about what your abnormal results mean

When your Pap smear comes back “abnormal,” it doesn’t mean you have cancer; it simply means some cervical cells look different from what’s expected. These changes can range from mild and temporary to more concerning. 

Common types of abnormal results include:

Atypical squamous cells (ASC-US)

This is the most common abnormal finding. It means the cells look slightly unusual, but it’s unclear whether the changes are due to infection, inflammation, or something more serious.

Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL)

This indicates precancerous changes. Low-grade SIL (LSIL) often clears up on its own, while high-grade SIL (HSIL) suggests more significant changes that need follow-up with your Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provider.

Atypical glandular cells (AGC)

These are less common and can signal more concerning changes in cervical cells.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)

This describes abnormal cell growth on your cervix and is graded from 1-3, with CIN 1 often resolving on its own and CIN 3 needing closer management. CIN3 isn’t considered cancer, but it could develop into cancer if not managed. 

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)

AIS means that precancerous changes were detected in glandular cells. It’s referred to as in situ (Latin for “in place”) because these abnormal changes haven’t spread from their initial spot.

So, what causes those abnormal results?

While cervical cancer is one possible cause of an abnormal result, it’s not the most likely. So, what caused your abnormal result? 

Infections, including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections, can cause inflammation and trigger an abnormal result. Having intercourse right before your Pap smear can also lead to an abnormal result.

Sometimes hormonal changes (like pregnancy or menopause) can affect cervical cells.

In short, many noncancerous conditions can trigger an abnormal result.

What happens after an abnormal result?

If your results are abnormal, our team recommends the next step based on the type and severity of the changes. This might include:

• Repeat Pap smear in a few months to monitor changes
• HPV testing, if it wasn’t already done
• Colposcopy (a closer look at your cervix with a magnifying scope)
• Biopsy if more information is needed about suspicious cells

The important thing to remember is that most abnormal Pap results don’t lead to a cancer diagnosis. Instead, they give your care team here at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates the chance to monitor and treat cell changes early. 

Prioritize cervical health

You don’t have to wait for Women’s Health Month (observed in May) to prioritize cervical health. Staying on top of regular Pap smears, practicing safe sex, and getting the HPV vaccine are all ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer. 

And if you do have an abnormal result, your OB-GYN is here to guide you through the process with compassion and care.

To schedule your Pap smear, call us at 770-422-8505 or click here to schedule an appointment.