Abnormal Pap Test

Topic Overview

What is an abnormal Pap test?

A Pap test, or Pap smear, is part of a woman’s routine physical exam. It is the best way to prevent cervical cancer, because it can find cells on your cervix that could turn into cancer. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

When your doctor says that your Pap test was “abnormal,” it means that the test found some cells on your cervix that do not look normal. It does not mean that you have cancer. In fact, the chances that you have cancer are very small.

What causes an abnormal Pap test?

Most of the time, abnormal cell changes on the cervix are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Usually these cell changes go away on their own. But certain types of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important for women to have regular Pap tests. It takes many years for cell changes in the cervix to turn into cancer.

Sometimes cell changes in the cervix are due to other types of infection, such as infections caused by bacteria or yeast. These types of cell changes can be treated. In women who have been through menopause, a Pap test may find cell changes that are just the result of getting older.

What increases your risk for an abnormal Pap test?

High-risk sex raises your chances of getting HPV and having an abnormal Pap test. High-risk sex includes having sex without condoms and having more than one sex partner (or having a sex partner who has other partners).

HPV can stay in your body for many years without your knowing it. So even if you now have just one partner and practice safe sex, you could still have an abnormal Pap test if you were exposed to HPV in the past.

Smoking or having an impaired immune system also may raise your chances of having cell changes in your cervix.

Do abnormal cell changes cause symptoms?

The cell changes themselves don't cause symptoms. HPV, which causes most abnormal Pap tests, usually doesn't cause symptoms either. This is why regular Pap tests are so important.

If a different sexually transmitted disease or infection is the cause of your abnormal Pap test, you may have symptoms, including:

• A discharge from the vagina that isn't normal for you, such as a change in the amount, color, odor, or texture.
• Pain, burning, or itching in your pelvic or genital area when you urinate or have sex.
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around your genitals.

What will you need to do if you have an abnormal Pap test?

You will need more tests to find out if you have an infection or to find out how severe the cell changes are. These tests may include:

• Colposcopy, a test to look at the vagina and cervix through a lighted magnifying tool.
• An HPV test. Like a Pap test, an HPV test is done on a sample of cells taken from the cervix.
• Another Pap test in 4 to 6 months.

A colposcopy is usually done before any treatment is given. During a colposcopy, the doctor also takes a small sample of tissue from the cervix so that it can be looked at under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.

Treatment, if any, will depend on whether your abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate, or severe. In moderate to severe cases, you may have treatment to destroy or remove the abnormal cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cause

Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, fungi (yeast), or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). The most common cause is HPV infection. Natural cervical cell changes (atrophic vaginitis) related to menopause can also cause an abnormal Pap test.

• The cervix contains two kinds of cells: rectangular-shaped columnar cells on the surface of the cervix and in the cervical canal; and flat, scalelike squamous cells on the surface of the cervix.
• Columnar cells are constantly changing into squamous cells in an area of the cervix called the transformation zone.
• Because cells in this area of the cervix are always dividing, they are at risk for abnormal changes. Most abnormal cell changes found during a Pap test are from the transformation zone.

Symptoms

Because cervical cell changes that can cause an abnormal Pap test rarely cause symptoms, regular Pap test screening to monitor cell changes is important.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is the most common cause of abnormal cervical cell changes, usually does not cause any symptoms.

A number of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause an abnormal Pap test. STDs can have a variety of symptoms, including:

• A change in vaginal discharge (thicker, discolored, or bad-smelling) over a period of several days to 2 weeks.
• Pain, burning, or itching while urinating that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area.
• Itching, tingling, burning, or pain on the genitals.
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals.

Only a small percentage of abnormal Pap tests indicate cervical cell changes that may progress to cervical cancer.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a significant unexplained change in your menstrual cycle.
• Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix (such as during sexual intercourse or insertion of a diaphragm).
• Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.
• Pain during intercourse.

What Happens

Abnormal Pap test results can be caused by infection, which leads to cell changes in the transformation zone of the cervix. Pap test results often return to normal when the cells have returned to healthy growth or after an infection has been treated or has resolved on its own.

In some cases, untreated cervical cell changes that cause abnormal Pap tests may progress to precancerous or cancerous stages. Certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to the development of cervical cancer. But changes in cervical cells usually progress slowly and take many years to become cancer cells. Treatment can remove or destroy these cells before they become cancerous.

The American Cancer Society has reported the following statistics.¹

• In women ages 13 to 21, minor cervical cell changes go away on their own about 90% of the time.
• In women older than 21, minor cervical cell changes go away on their own about 50% to 80% of the time.

Regular Pap test screening can detect cervical cell changes early.

• Minor cell changes often go away without treatment.
• Early detection of precancerous cell changes or cervical cancer usually makes a complete cure possible.
• If a high-risk type of HPV is diagnosed, more frequent Pap tests or other testing (such as colposcopy or cervical biopsy) may be needed for further evaluation.

Cervical polyps are unrelated to cervical cancer, but may be found and removed at the time of a pelvic exam and Pap test.

What Increases Your Risk

Most cervical cell changes that cause an abnormal Pap test are the result of sexual transmission of HPV disease. High-risk sexual behaviors by you or your partner at some time, possibly even many years ago, may lead to HPV infection. High-risk sexual behaviors increase your risk of infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

High-risk sexual behaviors include:

• Starting sexual intercourse at an early age (before age 18).
• Having sex without using a condom, which increases your risk of being infected with:
  • High-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Having multiple sex partners in a lifetime.
• Having sexual intercourse with someone who has had multiple sex partners.

Other risk factors that may also play a role in increasing your risk for cervical cell changes include:

• Smoking.
• Using birth control pills.
• Having an impaired immune system.
• Having multiple full-term pregnancies (high parity).
• Being exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, though this is rare.

If you have had one abnormal Pap test result, you may be at higher risk for having another abnormal Pap test in the future.

When To Call a Doctor

Most problems that cause abnormal Pap tests do not cause symptoms, so you won't know you have cervical cell changes. Regular Pap testing is needed to detect early cervical cell changes.

Call your doctor if:

• You have unexpected bleeding between menstrual periods, especially if you are not using any hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills.
• You have bleeding after douching or sexual intercourse.

If you think you may have symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), call your doctor for an appointment. Avoid sexual intercourse until you have been treated for your symptoms and can no longer infect your partner.

If your sex partner has symptoms of an STD, both of you should be evaluated by a doctor. If you have been diagnosed with an STD, such as genital warts, your sex partner(s) may want to be evaluated.

Watchful Waiting

When Pap test results show minor changes, watchful waiting may be done before any further evaluation is recommended because these changes often go away without any treatment. Watchful waiting usually involves repeat Pap tests as often as recommended by your doctor for the type of abnormal cell change present.

One study showed that regular condom use during this time improves the chance that abnormal cells will go away by themselves.²

If you have had an abnormal Pap test, be certain to complete any additional testing or treatment that your doctor recommends. You and your doctor can decide how often Pap test screening should continue or whether other tests are needed.

Who To See

Your family doctor or any of the following health professionals can manage an abnormal Pap test:

• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Internist
• Gynecologist

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Exams and Tests

You will have a Pap test as part of your routine gynecologic exam. A Pap test is used to identify abnormal cell changes on your cervix and to screen for cervical cancer. Pap test screening is the most effective way to detect early abnormal cervical cell changes.

Women over 30 years old may have a screening test for HPV infection at the same time they have their Pap test.³

Pap test screening schedule

The recommended Pap test screening schedule is based on your age and risk factors.^{1, 4} Testing should start 3 years from the time you begin to have sexual intercourse, but no later than age 21. Women should have Pap tests every 1 to 3 years. Studies show that healthy women who have normal Pap tests for 3 years in a row are unlikely to develop moderate to severe cervical cell changes within 3 years. Discuss this with your doctor to determine whether you can safely extend your Pap test screening to every 2 to 3 years.⁵

Women who have gone through menopause have an increased risk of false-positive Pap test results. For this reason, postmenopausal women with previous normal Pap tests may be advised to have Pap tests less frequently than every year.⁶

Women who have had a hysterectomy that included removal of the cervix do not need any more Pap tests if both of the following are true:

• The hysterectomy was done for a problem other than cancer.
• Regularly scheduled Pap tests have shown that the woman has not had precancerous cell changes in the cervix or vagina in at least 10 years.

Abnormal Pap test result

An abnormal Pap test classifies cells according to their degree of abnormality using the Bethesda system (TBS). Further evaluation decisions are guided by the kinds of changes seen in the cells.

Following an abnormal Pap test result, additional tests may be needed to determine whether an infection is present or to determine the severity of cervical cell changes. These additional tests include:

• Colposcopy. A colposcopy uses a magnifying instrument called a colposcope to look at the vagina and the cervix. Cell abnormalities (dysplasia) that might be missed by the naked eye can be seen with the colposcope.
• Cervical biopsy. A cervical biopsy removes a small piece of the cervix so the tissue can be examined under a microscope.
• Cone biopsy. This is an extensive form of a cervical biopsy. It is called a cone biopsy because a cone-shaped wedge of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined under a microscope. A cone biopsy may also serve as treatment by removing the abnormal cervical cells.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test. HPV testing is done to identify high-risk types of HPV infection. If your abnormal Pap test is caused by HPV, knowing whether you have a high-risk type of HPV can help guide your evaluation and treatment decisions.

For more information, see:

What follow-up will I need if my Pap test shows minor cell changes?

For information on tests to diagnose a specific infection, see the specific topic:

• Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Genital Herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Vaginal Yeast Infections

What to think about

Some new testing methods, such as computer-automated review of Pap tests and liquid-based collection, are being used in many areas of the United States. Liquid-based collection methods allow testing for HPV at the same time as a Pap test, but these methods are not available everywhere and may be more costly.

The terms used to report Pap test results vary depending on which classification system is used. The Bethesda system (TBS) is used by most labs in North America. Other classification systems are used around the world.

• The Bethesda system (TBS) classifies cervical cell changes by type of abnormality, such as atypical squamous cells (ASC).
• Older classification systems use the term dysplasia to describe cervical cell changes or describe the changes as mild, moderate, or severe.
• Comparing classification systems allows you and your doctor to understand the severity of your cervical cell changes.

Treatment Overview

Even though most abnormal Pap tests are caused by an HPV infection that will go away or an inflammation that can be treated, you will need a follow-up evaluation to make sure your abnormal cell changes have resolved. Your need for treatment will vary depending on whether your abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate, or severe. Abnormal Pap test results may show minor cell changes (most common), moderate to severe cell changes (less common), or cervical cancer (rare). Depending upon the cause and severity of the cervical cell changes, treatment may be necessary.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common cause of an abnormal Pap test. There are many types of HPV. High-risk types can cause cell changes that could develop into cancer.

Evaluation of minor cell changes (ASC-US and LSIL)

An abnormal Pap test result is not uncommon because HPV infection is very common. Most cell changes seen in abnormal Pap test results will not progress to cervical cancer. If your abnormal Pap test shows minor cell changes, you may have several choices of what to do next.

If your Pap test shows that a vaginal infection or a treatable sexually transmitted disease (STD) is present, you can be treated with medicine.

Evaluation of ASC-US.If you have had a Pap test only and your test results show atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), you can:

• Choose watchful waiting, which includes repeat Pap tests every 4 to 6 months. Watchful waiting will not be harmful if the abnormal tissue is not visible on the cervix or a type that is not likely to progress to cancer and you do not have an impaired immune system. Regular use of condoms during this time will increase the chance that abnormal cells will go away on their own.²
• Have a test for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. The natural course of most types of HPV is to resolve on their own within 18 months. HPV in women younger than 30 usually goes away on its own. HPV in women older than 30 is more likely to persist. Minor cell changes not related to high-risk HPV may not be significant and often go away. Even if you have a high-risk HPV type, more severe cell changes may never develop because high-risk HPV infections can also go away on their own. But if testing shows a high-risk HPV, your doctor will probably recommend a colposcopy and possibly cervical biopsy to look at the abnormal cells. If you do not test positive for a high-risk HPV, you can return to a normal screening schedule.⁷
• Have a colposcopy so your doctor can look at the abnormal cells. A cervical biopsy may be done at the same time to confirm the colposcopy findings. Women with HIV infection will most likely be evaluated with colposcopy and then treated for any abnormal cervical cells.

Women over 30 can have a Pap test and an HPV test at the same time. If you have had a Pap test and an HPV test as part of your regular exam, you will have two results to consider. The following are recommendations for these test results.

• Normal Pap and negative for high-risk HPV: Return to routine Pap test screening schedule every 3 years.
• Normal Pap and positive for high-risk HPV: Repeat Pap and HPV in 6 to 12 months. If both repeat tests are normal, return to routine Pap screening schedule. If either of the repeat tests is abnormal, colposcopy is recommended.
• Pap result of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and negative for high-risk HPV: Repeat Pap test in 12 months.
• Pap result of ASC-US or more severe changes and positive for high-risk HPV: Have a colposcopy.

HPV testing or colposcopy may be included in a watchful waiting period of time because they are diagnostic tests, not treatments. Watchful waiting is usually recommended only for women who will follow through with repeat Pap tests every 4 to 6 months.

Evaluation of LSIL.If the results of your Pap test show the minor cell changes called low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), your doctor may recommend a colposcopy to evaluate the cell changes. Some women, especially those who have already gone through menopause, may be treated for atrophy with estrogen cream and then have a repeat Pap test. Colposcopy is needed only if the repeat test shows cell changes.

Adolescent girls with a Pap test that shows ASC-US or LSIL will usually have a repeat Pap test at 6 to 12 months. This is because girls this age are extremely unlikely to develop cervical cancer, and HPV is likely to go away on its own. But if either of the follow-up tests are abnormal, colposcopy is usually the next recommended test.⁸

It is very unlikely that minor cervical cell changes would progress to cancer in a short period of watchful waiting. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cell changes usually remain the same or return to normal after the first abnormal result. Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) cell changes may be more likely to progress to more severe cell changes over time, but most LSIL cell changes return to normal or are not identified as more severe cell changes.¹

Minor changes found by a repeat Pap test and confirmed by colposcopy or biopsy can remain under observation (watchful waiting) or be treated to destroy or remove the abnormal tissue.

For more information, see:

What follow-up will I need if my Pap test shows minor cell changes?

Treatment for moderate to severe cell changes (HSIL)

Treatment decisions for an abnormal Pap test that shows moderate to severe cell changes are based on the Pap test results, colposcopy, and cervical biopsy. A larger tissue sample may be removed by a cone biopsy. In some cases, this procedure may serve as treatment so you are cured. Follow-up to evaluate and treat moderate to severe cervical cell changes is recommended sooner than for minor cell changes. If not treated, about 40% of women with untreated high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) will progress to invasive cancer over a period of 10 years.⁹

• For moderate or severe precancerous cell changes confirmed by biopsy, treatment will focus on destroying or removing the abnormal tissue. Treatment choices include LEEP, a surgery that uses a thin wire loop to remove the abnormal tissue; cryotherapy, which destroys tissue by freezing it; laser therapy, which destroys tissue with a laser beam; or cone biopsy (conization), in which a cone-shaped piece of abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix.
• For cervical cancer, treatment will focus on destroying or removing the cancerous tissue. Treatment choices include a hysterectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies.

Treatment for an abnormal Pap during pregnancy

A Pap test may be done during pregnancy if a woman is due for her regular screening test. A pregnant woman with an abnormal Pap test is monitored closely throughout her pregnancy. Monitoring may include evaluation by colposcopy. The goal of evaluation is to rule out cervical cancer, a rare diagnosis. Treatment for abnormalities other than cancer is done after delivery.

Prevention

You cannot prevent an abnormal Pap test, but you can reduce your risk factors.

Have regular Pap test screening

The Pap test is the most effective screening test to prevent the development of cervical cancer. Pap tests done at regular intervals almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous. Regular screening for and treatment of cervical cell abnormalities can prevent the abnormal cell changes from developing into cancer.

Current screening guidelines include the choice of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing at the same time as a Pap test for regular screening in women older than 30 years of age or as a test to determine your need for colposcopy if you have atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US).

Quit smoking

Women who smoke are at higher risk for developing cervical cell changes that cause an abnormal Pap test. The reason for this is not fully understood. Quitting smoking may decrease this risk. Not smoking has many other health benefits. For example, nonsmokers have a lower risk of other cancers and heart disease. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Reduce your risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially HPV infection, often cause abnormal Pap tests and can lead to other serious health problems. Preventing an STD is easier than treating an infection after it occurs.

• Talk with your partner about STDs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out whether he or she is at risk for an STD. Remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STD without knowing it. Some STDs, such as HIV, can take up to 6 months before they are detected in the blood. Consider HIV testing if you or your partner are at risk for HIV.
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STD or are being treated for an STD.
  • Avoid all intimate sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STD or who may have been exposed to an STD.
• Use male or female condoms to reduce the risk of getting an STD. Using male condoms when you have sex has been shown to reduce your risk of getting HPV.¹⁰ Female condoms may help also, although there has been less study of this type of protection.
• Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the only way to completely prevent any exposure to STDs.

Your risk for an STD increases if you have several sex partners at the same time or if your sex partner has more than one partner.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a vaccine (Gardasil) (What is a PDF document?) that protects against four types of HPV, which together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Three shots are given over 6 months. Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. The immunization is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. It can be given to girls as young as 9 years old. Clinical studies showed that the vaccine is safe and works well to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts for girls and women who have not already been infected with these HPV types.¹¹ For more information, see the topic Immunizations.

For more information on getting your daughter vaccinated, see:

Should my daughter get the HPV vaccine?

Home Treatment

All abnormal Pap tests require follow-up. In some cases, you may need further testing or treatment. In other cases, your doctor may recommend a period of watchful waiting that includes repeat Pap tests.

• Be certain to complete any additional testing that your doctor recommends. This includes repeat Pap tests as well as any other tests.
• If a vaginal infection or a treatable sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused your abnormal test results, you will probably need medicine. Take all the medicine as directed by your doctor. If you skip doses or do not take all your medicine, the problem may come back.

To reduce your risk of cervical problems:

• Have regular Pap tests. Regular Pap tests almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous. Regular screening for and treatment of cervical cell abnormalities can prevent cancer. You and your doctor can decide how often you need to be tested.
• Reduce your risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases by practicing safer sex. Use condoms until you are certain that neither you nor your partner has an STD. To prevent STDs, condoms must be put on before beginning any sexual contact.
• Quit smoking. Women who smoke are at higher risk of developing cervical cell changes that cause an abnormal Pap test. The reason for this is not fully understood.

Medications

Medicines may cure a bacterial, fungal, or protozoal infection and allow minor cell changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) that have caused an abnormal Pap test to return to normal. HPV infection cannot be treated with medicine. The infection or inflammation changes of cervical cells are monitored in the following sequence:

• If an infection is identified, even though you may not have symptoms, nonprescription or prescription medicine may be recommended to eliminate the infection. The type of medicine used depends on the type of infection present. For more information on treatment for a specific infection, see the appropriate topic: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Vaginal Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, Genital Herpes, or Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus).
• The Pap test is repeated at regular intervals as recommended by your doctor. If the repeat Pap test results are normal after the treatment of an infection, you can return to your normal Pap test screening schedule.
• If the Pap test remains abnormal after treatment, you and your doctor may choose watchful waiting. Or a colposcopy may be done to diagnose the cause of the abnormal test. Regular Pap testing allows you to monitor minor cervical cell changes.

Estrogen cream. Women near menopause may have abnormal Pap test results because of normal body changes during menopause, such as cervical cell atrophy and estrogen loss. These minor cell changes may improve with the use of estrogen cream.

Surgery

If you have had an abnormal Pap test, surgery may be an option. Surgical treatment may be recommended if:

• Your abnormal test results have been confirmed by colposcopy and a cervical biopsy.
• The cervical biopsy shows you have minor, moderate, or severe cell changes.
• The cervical biopsy shows that you have or may have cervical cancer.

Surgery may be done to destroy or remove the abnormal cells on your cervix, or confirm or rule out the possibility that you have cervical cancer.

Abnormal tissue that can be seen through the magnifying viewing instrument (colposcope) can often be destroyed or removed with cryotherapy, a cone biopsy, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, or the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

Abnormal cervical cells that are detected by a Pap test but cannot be seen by colposcopy may be high in the cervix (cervical canal). Before treatment is recommended, the location and type of cell change must be confirmed by a cervical biopsy. Depending on the results of the colposcopy and cervical biopsy, a cone biopsy may be done as the next step.

Surgery Choices

Surgical choices for abnormal cervical cell changes include the following:

Procedures that remove abnormal tissue

• Cone biopsy (conization) removes a cone-shaped wedge of abnormal cells high in the cervical canal. A small amount of normal tissue around the cone-shaped wedge of abnormal tissue is also removed so that a margin free of abnormal cells is left in the cervix.
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal cervical cells. It can also be used to remove a cone-shaped wedge of tissue like a cone biopsy.

Procedures that destroy abnormal tissue

• Cryotherapy destroys abnormal cervical cells by freezing them.
• Carbon dioxide laser uses a laser beam to destroy (vaporize) abnormal cervical cells. It can also be used to remove a cone-shaped wedge of tissue like a cone biopsy.

If the results of a Pap test, colposcopy, and cervical or cone biopsy indicate invasive cervical cancer, then surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments will be needed to destroy or remove the cancerous tissue. A diagnosis of cervical cancer will probably be treated under the care of a medical oncologist who specialized in women's cancer (gynecologic oncologist).

Treatment options for cervical cancer that are not discussed in detail in this topic include:

• Total hysterectomy, to surgically remove the cervix, uterus, and other affected pelvic organs.
• Radiation therapy, to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors with the use of high-dose X-rays.
• Chemotherapy, to destroy cancer cells with the use of medicine.

For more information, see the topic Cervical Cancer.

What To Think About

Minor cell changes may not need to be treated with surgery. When deciding on treatment for minor cell changes, consider the following:

• Infections may be cured with medicines for the specific cause of the infection.
• Minor cell changes often go away without treatment. Your doctor may suggest a period of watchful waiting before further evaluation or a biopsy is recommended. Surgery may be needed if the cell changes are confirmed by biopsy to be progressing to more severe cell changes. Surgery may also be done if follow-up evaluation is not possible or immediate treatment is wanted.
• Cell changes caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may not progress beyond mild changes. The natural course of most types of HPV is for the cells to change back to normal within 18 months without treatment. Cervical cell changes caused by HPV may be treated because of their degree of abnormality, but treatment does not eliminate the virus. You may still have HPV inside your body's cells.

Treatment choices for moderate to severe cell changes are more likely to include surgery to specifically destroy or remove the abnormal tissue.

Other Treatment

Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) may be a treatment choice for some women who have had an abnormal Pap test if both of the following are true:

• They are done having children.
• They have other gynecological problems, such as heavy irregular bleeding that does not improve with medicine, that would also be treated with a hysterectomy.

Other Places To Get Help

Organizations

Related Information

• Cervical Cancer
• Early Disease Detection
• Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)

References

Citations

1. Saslow D, et al. (2002). American Cancer Society guideline for the early detection of cervical neoplasia and cancer. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 52(6): 342–362.
2. Hogewoning CJA, et al. (2003). Condom use promotes regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and clearance of human papillomavirus: A randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Cancer, 107(5): 811–816.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2005, reaffirmed 2007). Human papillomavirus. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 61. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 104(4): 905–918.
4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2003, reaffirmed 2007). Cervical cytology screening. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 45. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 102(2): 417–427.
5. Sawaya GF, et al. (2003). Risk of cervical cancer associated with extending the interval between cervical-cancer screenings. New England Journal of Medicine, 349(16): 1501–1509.
6. Sawaya GF, et al. (2000). The positive predictive value of cervical smears in previously screened postmenopausal women: The Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS). Annals of Internal Medicine, 133(12): 942–950.
7. Runowicz CD (2007). Approach to the patient with an abnormal Pap smear. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., ACP Medicine, section 16, chap. 1. New York: WebMD.
8. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2008). Management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 99. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 112(6): 1419–1444.
9. Sawaya GF, et al. (2001). Current approaches to cervical-cancer screening. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(21): 1603–1607.
10. Winer RL, et al. (2006). Condom use and the risk of genital human papillomavirus infection in young women. New England Journal of Medicine, 354(25): 2645–2654.
11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006). FDA licenses new vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by human papillomavirus. FDA News. Available online: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01385.html.

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• Melnikow M, et al. (2002). Management of the low-grade abnormal Pap smear: What are women's preferences? Journal of Family Practice, 51(10): 849–855.
• Wright TC, et al. (2003). 2001 consensus guidelines for the management of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 189(1): 295–304.
• Wright TC, et al. (2007). 2006 consensus guidelines for the management of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening tests. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 197(4): 346–355.

Credits