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The cervix is comprised of several layers of cells that grow and develop. The Pap smear is used to examine the glandular cells that line the opening to the cervix, or the portion that connects your uterus to your vagina.

Another form of test commonly used to screen for cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV) test, which can be obtained from your physician or self collected.

An abnormal finding is not a definitive diagnosis of cancer in and of itself. In fact, many false positive tests (as many as 5 to 20 percent) are common and require re-testing and further monitoring.

Abnormal test results are typically used to guide future examinations and therapy, in order to prevent the spread or development of cervical cancer.

Understanding Your Risk Factors for an Abnormal Pap Smear
Cervical cancer typically results from a sexually transmitted disease. It is almost non-existent in women who have never engaged in sexual relationships, and is more common in women who have had multiple sexual partners.

Risk factors for cervical cancer include multiple partners, HPV infection, HIV infection and chronic use of medications that may suppress the immune system.

Women who engage in sexual intercourse prior to the age of 17 are more likely to contract cervical cancer than those who do not.

In addition, the following risk factors have been identified:

• History of cigarette smoking.
• Diagnosis of other sexually transmitted diseases.
• History of lower genital tract cancer.
• History of prior abnormal pap smear.
• Women who took birth control pills.

Perhaps the biggest risk factor is contamination with human papilloma virus, which can be transmitted via sexual intercourse.

Most HPV infections resolve themselves within two years; however the virus may persist, resulting in an increased likelihood of cervical cancer.

Generally an HPV infection will not develop into cancer for several years. Not all forms of HPV are associated with cancer, but two types in particular have been associated with increased risk.

What to Do if Your Pap Smear is Abnormal
If your Pap smear does come back atypical, you will require further evaluation. Treatment may be necessary depending on the degree and type of abnormality discovered by your test.

Your physician will work with you to determine what other risk factors you may have for developing cervical cancer.

Typically patients with abnormal pap spears will undergo a painless office procedure referred to as a colposcopy. This procedure magnifies the cervix allowing your physicians to better assess the degree of changes or abnormalities present in the cervix.

Generally women may undergo HPV testing with an abnormal Pap smear to confirm whether or not the potential for cancer exists. A negative HPV result will often result in spontaneous reversion of any abnormal findings.

A Pap smear may also be repeated during a three month time frame. If a normal result is acquired twice, generally no further treatment is required.

More severe abnormalities may result in biopsy and more aggressive treatment. Your physician may include treatment modalities depending on the severity of the results acquired.

It is important to note that many abnormal smears subsequently resolve themselves, and no treatment is necessary. The key to remember is early detection. Early detection of abnormal changes can lead to early detection and treatment of cancer, reducing the likelihood of serious long term effects or problems.

Be sure to consult with your physician and discuss any concerns you may have regarding your test results.

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