Understanding Results of a Pap Smear
Results of a pap smear are often available within 1 or 2 weeks. If you get a normal pap smear, it means that there is no evidence that you have abnormal cervical cells in the body. In case your results are abnormal, it does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer or there is anything wrong. Results may be inconclusive as some cells do not look like normal cells, but they are not abnormal neither. A poor sample due to menstrual products or sexual intercourse many be a reason for inconclusive results. In addition to cancer, an abnormal result many indicate the presence of HPV, trichomoniasis, herpes, infection, or inflammation.
Abnormal cells can be divided into low or high grade. High-grade ones may be more likely to develop into cancer. More tests should be done in this case to help find out whether you have cancer. [6]
After a Pap Smear
If the result of a pap smear is inconclusive or unclear, you may need a repeat test in the future. If you do not have co-testing, then an HPV test can be suggested. Keep in mind that a pap smear cannot diagnose cervical cancer. Other procedures are required to verify the presence of cancerous cells. A colposcopy is often the next option when the result of a pap smear is not clear. [7]
