- Sometimes the results of a Pap smear are not normal due to a simple infection. The infection is then treated and the patient is retested. If the treatment has been successful, the infection is gone and the resulting test is normal. It is possible to have an infection and not know it.
- If the test results indicate Atypical Squamous Cells, it is likely that additional tests will be performed to determine if the patient has the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). For patients over 21, the lab will perform a test called HPV DNA. This determines if the patient is positive for one of the many types of HPV that may later cause serious cervical disease. When the HPV DNA test is positive, patients generally are given a colposcopy, which is an exam that utilizes a high powered microscope.
- When the result of the Pap smear is Low Grade Squamous Intrapthelial Lesion (LSIL), the patient has been infected with HPV. The health care practitioner will determine what type of follow up is needed.
- More serious than low grade changes in the cervix, these results (HSIL) leave a patient at risk for cancer at a later time. The health care provider will provide a treatment plan in an attempt to prevent the cancer from occurring at all.
- If the result indicates there are changes in the glandular cervical cells (AGC), the patient is usually given a further exam including a colposcopy.
- Cervical cancer occurs when the abnormal cells spread. If the test results of the Pap smear indicate cancer, the patient is likely to be referred to a gynecologist that specializes in patients with cancer. Early detection increases the patient's ability to get treatment and remain healthy.
