What is normal Pap smear result?

Normal Pap A normal result means that all of the cells in your cervix look healthy and normal. They are not cancerous. A normal result is good news.

What results come back from a Pap smear?

Pap Smear Results They’ll come back either negative (normal) or positive (abnormal). A negative result is a good thing. That means your doctor didn’t find any precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. You won’t need another Pap until you’re due for your next scheduled one.

What does a positive or abnormal Pap test result mean?

If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

How do I read my Pap smear results?

A Pap test result can be normal, unclear, or abnormal.

1. Normal. A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix.
2. Unclear (ASC-US) It is common for test results to come back unclear.
3. Abnormal. An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix.
4. Negative.
5. Positive.

How do I get my pap smear results?

Usually, it takes 1 to 3 weeks to get Pap and HPV test results. Most of the time, test results are normal. If you do not get the results of your Pap and HPV tests 3 weeks after the test, call your doctor’s office to get the results.

Should I worry about abnormal Pap smear?

Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it’s important to follow up to make sure.

Does abnormal Pap smear always indicate cancer?

An abnormal Pap smear means some percentage of your cervix cells appear abnormal in shape or size. In most cases, an abnormal Pap smear does not indicate cancer and is in fact caused by HPV. If you have an abnormal Pap result, your doctor may order further testing like a biopsy.

What to do after an abnormal Pap smear?

What happens after you get an abnormal pap smear? Once an abnormal result comes back, you will have to schedule a follow-up appointment for a more in-depth testing called a colposcopy. Once again, you will lay down on an examination table.

What are the next steps after an abnormal Pap smear?

If your Pap results are unclear or inconclusive, the next step will likely be a colposcopy . A colposcopy is a procedure in which your doctor uses a microscope to inspect your cervix. Your doctor will use a special solution during the colposcopy to help differentiate normal areas from abnormal ones.

Does an abnormal Pap smear always mean you have HPV?

Abnormal Pap Smears are typically caused by strains of the Human papillomavirus infection A group of viruses that infect the skin or moist areas of the body. , HPV. An abnormal pap smear result does not mean you have cervical cancer. High risk strains can cause more serious cellular changes. Typically, both high and low risk strains of HPV go away within 24 months.