My Pap Smear Came Back Positive. What Does it Mean?
It is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that women ages 21 to 65 receive an annual routine Pap smear test. The purpose of this routine screening is to check for precancers, or cervical cell changes that might become cervical cancer if they are not properly treated. Before your next annual Pap smear test, learn what a positive Pap test could mean. With proper education and routine testing, you can put yourself in the best position to protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,900 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. A Pap smear test is a non-invasive way to identify the presence of cervical precancers. During the Pap test, your doctor will collect a few cell samples and some mucus from the cervix and surrounding area. The cells will then be tested to identify any abnormalities.
There are four terms typically used to describe Pap test results, and the first step in understanding what your Pap test results mean, is familiarizing yourself with the following terms:
- Normal – Your cervix is healthy.
- Unsatisfactory – The sample of cells taken was not a good sample and can’t be read. Your Pap test will likely need to be repeated.
- Benign changes – Your Pap test was basically normal, however you may have an infection that is causing inflammation of the cervical cells. Your doctor may need to do a pelvic exam to check for the cause of the infection and prescribe treatment if necessary.
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) – There is the appearance of abnormal cells in your sample. More tests may be needed to determine the cause.
If your test results are positive for abnormal cell growth, it could be due to the presence of precancers, however understand that there are many reasons why Pap test results might not be normal and it frequently does not mean you have cancer. One of the following factors could be at play instead:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that causes an abnormal rate of cervical cell growth. HPV can remain in your body for years and could go undetected, which means that your abnormal Pap test results may appear years after your exposure to the virus.
- A bacteria or yeast infection. Such infections can be treated after proper diagnosis.
- Menopause. Women who have been through menopause may see changes to their cervical cells, however the abnormal cells are not precancers.
- Smoking. Tobacco use may increase your chances of seeing cell changes in your cervix. Abstaining from tobacco use will help your cells return to normal levels.
- An impaired immune system. Your immune system could become damaged as the result of such factors as alcohol use, drug abuse or withdrawal, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or chemotherapy.
The first step to reducing your risk of cervical cancer is ensuring that you receive a routine Pap smear test annually from your OBGYN. If your tests results show abnormal cell growth, your doctor will know how to interpret the results and proceed with any necessary treatment to help you maintain optimal health.
If it’s been some time since you’ve seen your gynecologist, make sure you schedule an appointment. A healthy woman should be seen at least once each year.