Abnormal pap test

A Pap test, or Pap smear, is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix. If your test is abnormal, it means it found some cells on your cervix that don't look normal. Having an abnormal test doesn't mean you have cancer. The chances that you have cancer are very small.

HPV, which causes most cervical cell changes, usually doesn't cause symptoms. But some people with cell changes may have abnormal vaginal bleeding. This may include bleeding between periods, heavy periods, or bleeding after sex. If another vaginal condition is the cause, you may have other symptoms, such as vaginal pain, itching, or discharge.

Not everyone needs treatment after an abnormal Pap test. Whether or not you need treatment can depend on the type of cell changes you have, your age and medical history, and the possible cause of the cell changes.

Mild cell changes.

For mild cell changes you probably will not need treatment. Mild changes often go away on their own. But if mild changes are caused by a treatable vaginal infection or atrophic vaginitis, you may be treated with medicine.

Moderate or severe cell changes.

For moderate or severe cell changes you may have treatment that focuses on destroying or removing abnormal tissue.

Treatment choices include:

• Cone biopsy, which removes a cone-shaped wedge of abnormal cells that are high in the cervical canal.
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal cervical cells.
• Cryotherapy, which destroys abnormal cervical cells by freezing them.
• Laser therapy, which uses a laser beam to destroy abnormal cervical cells.

If you're pregnant, you'll be monitored closely throughout your pregnancy. Most treatment for abnormal cell changes is done after delivery.

• Do not smoke. Smoking may increase your risk for cervical cell changes. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Be sure to get follow-up Pap tests or other follow-up tests as recommended by your doctor.