Cancer Cervical Cancer Prevention What Do Your Pap Smear Results Mean? How to Decode an Abnormal Test Result By Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH Jaime R. Herndon, MS, MPH Jaime Herndon is a freelance health/medical writer with over a decade of experience writing for the public. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 03, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What It Is Normal Results Abnormal Results Follow-Up Prevention A Pap smear, also simply known as a Pap or Pap test, screens for cervical cancer and any abnormal cell changes on the cervix that might lead to cervical cancer. It does not screen for any other gynecological cancer like endometrial or ovarian cancer. Depending on the findings and the grade of any lesions, you may need additional testing, more frequent monitoring, or treatment. Read on to find out more information about Pap smear results and what comes next. Environment Images / UIG / Universal Images Group / Getty Images What Is a Pap Smear? A Pap smear involves collecting cells from the vagina and cervix—the lower, narrow end of the uterus, at the top of the vagina. It's usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. Pap smears look for abnormal cell changes that may lead to cancer and they also test for precancers. These precancers are often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). An HPV test is a test for high-risk, cancer-causing strains of HPV that can be done at the same time as a Pap test. It may also be performed on a Pap sample after it has been sent to a lab. Do not have sex, douche, or use tampons or other vaginal hygiene products 48 hours prior to your Pap test, as these can give false results. What Is HPV? Human papillomavirus is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to cervical cancer in some women. While there are many strains of HPV, only certain strains are linked to cervical cancer. The HPV test is designed to look specifically for these strains. Normal Results If your Pap smear is read as normal, your healthcare provider will also consider the results of your HPV test or recommend an HPV test on the same sample if it was not previously done. If both your Pap smear and HPV test are normal—and if you do not have a history of abnormal Pap smears/HPV tests, you likely won't need any further testing or treatment until your next screening test is recommended. This is usually five years for HPV testing or co-testing. Normal Pap But Positive HPV Test If your Pap smear is normal but your HPV test is positive, your healthcare provider will talk to you about possible recommendations. Most commonly, this combination of results means that an HPV infection is present but not causing any abnormalities in the cervical cells at the time. Most HPV infections clear without causing abnormalities or cancer. Sometimes, these results could be a false negative (a test result that incorrectly indicates a condition is not present) if the Pap smear sample did not pick up an area of abnormal cells. According to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), for women aged 30 years or older who are HPV-positive with a normal Pap smear, repeat testing can be done in one year. If any repeat HPV test is positive or a Pap smear shows a significant abnormality, colposcopy (a procedure that closely examines the cervix, vagina, and vulva) is recommended. Abnormal Results If abnormal or unusual cells were discovered during your Pap smear, this is said to be a positive result. Keep in mind that a positive result doesn't mean you have cervical cancer. There are five categories of abnormal Pap smear results, which are: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US): This term is used to describe changes in cervical cells, and it is the most common abnormal Pap smear result. It's possible to tell if the changes are caused by HPV infection, irritation, or precancer. Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL): These abnormal changes may signal precancer. The changes can be described as low grade (LSIL) or high grade (HSIL). LSIL is very common and typically goes away on its own without treatment. HSIL can lead to cancer if left untreated. Atypical squamous cells (ASC-H): These may or may not be HSIL. Atypical glandular cells (AGC): These results suggest there may be a precancer of the upper part of the cervix or uterus. Cancer: This means that abnormal cells have spread deeper into the cervix or to other tissues. How to Decipher Your Abnormal Pap Smear Results Follow-Up Testing The recommended follow-up after an abnormal Pap smear depends on the findings, any treatment you receive, your age, your history of Pap smears and HPV testing in the past, and more. Follow-up usually includes more frequent screening, such as HPV/Pap testing and colposcopy. It's important to note that for people who have significantly abnormal Pap smears (such as those that are HSIL or precancerous) and after the initial period of increased screening, HPV testing or HPV testing plus a Pap smear will be required every three years for a full 25 years. The reason for this is that the risk of cervical cancer with these findings persists for at least 25 years. Reflex Testing Reflex testing is when you have a Pap smear and those same cells are also tested for HPV, or if you have an HPV test and a Pap test may be performed on those same cells. HPV Typing HPV typing is an HPV test that looks for the two main HPV strains that cause cervical cancer. These are types 16 and 18. If you test positive for HPV, this typing may be done. Repeat Testing For people under 25 years of age, a repeat Pap may be done in six months to a year, depending on the results. For those over 25, a repeat Pap may be done or both a repeat Pap and HPV testing may be recommended. The specific time period when this is done depends on your age, your medical history, your previous Pap results, and your abnormal results. Colposcopy, Biopsy, and Endocervical Sampling Those who are at high risk for high-grade abnormal cells may be referred for a colposcopy, biopsy, and endocervical sampling. A colposcopy uses a special magnifying device to examine the cervix and any abnormal areas. A biopsy involves removing sample tissue of the cervix for further examination in a lab. Enndocervical sampling involves scraping and collecting cells from the endocervical canal (the passageway from the uterus to the vagina) to be examined in a lab. Endometrial Sampling If glandular cells show up on the Pap, this can be concerning. When these cells show up on a Pap, endometrial sampling may be done. This is when a small piece of tissue from the uterine lining, or endometrium, is biopsied so it can be sent to a lab for further testing. Cervical Cancer Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Prevention If you've had an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test, careful follow-up and lifestyle measures may reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. For example, while smoking does not cause cervical cancer, it appears to increase the chance that people who develop high-risk HPV infections (the cause of most cervical cancers) will go on to develop the disease. In addition, HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9) is recommended for all people between the ages of 9 and 26 whether or not they have been sexually active. If you were not vaccinated within this window of time, you can still get the vaccine up until age 45. Your physician can help you evaluate if it makes sense in your case. A Swedish study found that among women vaccinated under the age of 17, the incidence of cervical cancer was 88% lower than those who were not vaccinated. For those vaccinated later (between the ages of 17 and 30), the incidence was 53% lower. Summary A Pap test is a procedure that screens for cervical cancer. It takes samples of cervical cells that are sent to a lab for testing. Depending on your Pap test result, follow-up testing may be necessary. This depends on the type of changes, your HPV test results, and your medical history. A Word From Verywell Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance of a cure. This test can even detect abnormal changes before they have an opportunity to progress to cervical cancer. It's important to keep up with your pap smears. Frequently Asked Questions How often should you get a Pap smear? Pap screening should start at age 21. If you have an abnormal Pap smear, you should get a Pap smear every three years if you're between 21 and 29. People 30 and older have several options: a Pap test every three years, an HPV test every five years, or a Pap and HPV test every five years.A yearly gynecologic exam is still recommended, and many gynecologists do yearly Pap testing. Talk with your provider about your medical history and your concerns to find out what works best for you. What is the most common reason for an abnormal Pap smear? The most common reason for an abnormal Pap is HPV infection. Can hormonal changes cause abnormal Pap smears? Yes. Menopause can cause changes in cervical cells, possibly leading to abnormal Pap smears. Do abnormal cell changes cause symptoms? No, which is why it's so important to have regular Pap tests. An abnormal Pap is typically the first indication that something is going on. What increases your risk for an abnormal Pap test? Since HPV increases your risk, having multiple sex partners or having sex without a condom can increase your risk of HPV, thereby increasing your risk for an abnormal Pap as well. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of abnormal cell changes, including cell changes in your cervix. How to Prevent Cervical Cancer Originally written by Lisa Fayed Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Abnormal cervical cancer screening test results. Perkins RB, Guido RS, Castle PE, et al. 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests and Cancer Precursors. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2020;24(2):102-131. doi:10.1097/LGT.0000000000000525 Perkins RB, Guido RS, Castle PE, et al. 2019 ASCCP risk-based management consensus guidelines for abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2020;24(2):102-131. doi:10.1097/LGT.0000000000000525 Lei J, Ploner A, Elfstrom KM, et al. HPV vaccination and the risk of invasive cervical cancer. N Engl J Med. 2020;383:1340-1348. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1917338 Office on Women's Health. Pap and HPV tests.