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Below is a summary of information on abnormal results. Should you require further information you can view the booklet: An abnormal Pap smear result - What this means for you or contact your Pap smear provider.
What does this mean for me?
The Pap smear is a reliable test to detect early changes in the cervix (neck of the womb), before they have a chance to develop into cancer. Regular Pap smears can reduce deaths from cervical cancer. For more information see Pap smears.
Some Pap smear results require follow-up. Sometimes this is because of the quality of the Pap smear while others are followed up because of evidence of changes. Your Qualified Health Care Professional (QHCP) can discuss your result with you in detail. Some of the results and what they mean are outlined below:
Unsatisfactory Smear
This means there was a technical problem with the smear and the laboratory staff cannot see the cells clearly enough to give a full report. Your Pap smear provider may ask you to have another smear even though no abnormal cells were found.
Inflammatory Smear
Sometimes a Pap smear will show signs of inflammation. Infections may be caused by a micro-organism such as Candida Albicans (Thrush). If inflammation is found further investigations or treatment may be needed. Discuss this with your Qualified Health Care Professsional.
Atrophic Smear
Sometimes after menopause or when breast feeding there are changes know as 'atrophic changes' in the cervix. These changes are caused by decreased hormone levels. If your Pap smear result is 'atrophic' you may be given some local oestrogen treatment (for example, oestrogen cream) and asked to have the Pap smear repeated in three months. This is because atrophic smears are difficult to analyse and a repeat Pap smear will ensure the most accurate result for you.
Possible low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion
These are changes in the cells of the cervix that may represent a low-grade abnormality, but the changes are not enough to justify a 'definite' diagnosis.
Low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion
This low grade abnormality indicates cell changes are present, most likely due to infection with HPV. The follow-up of women with possible or definite low-grade abnormalities is generally the same, but may vary according to your age and whether you have had abnormal results in the past. Your Qualified Health Care Professional will explain the follow-up you require.
Possible high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion
This means a high-grade abnormality is suspected but the changes are not clear enough to justify a 'definite' diagnosis.
High-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion
This is a high-grade abnormality that suggests there are cell changes in the cervix that require further investigation. These are still precancerous changes (changes that occur before cancer develops) and your Qualified Health Care Professional will advise the follow-up required for you.
High Grade Glandular abnormalities
Glandular abnormalities are seen in cells from the top part of the cervix.
There are three types of glandular abnormalities:
All glandular abnormalities are referred to as high grade abnormalities and require further investigation.
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Ask your Pap smear provider to explain exactly what your Pap smear result means. |
Further investigations and follow-up
The type of follow-up you require depends on whether you’ve had previous abnormal Pap smears, your age and your result. Sometimes the only follow-up you will need will be another Pap smear. A colposcopy is also commonly recommended after an abnormal Pap smear.
What is a colposcopy?
This is an examination of the cervix done by a specialist. It usually takes about 15 minutes and is similar to a Pap smear. It is not an operation and no anaesthetic or stay in hospital is necessary.
A colposcope is a special magnifying microscope on a stand. It is positioned outside your body. The specialist looks through the colposcope at your cervix and vagina and can see areas that are invisible to the naked eye.
For more information on colposcopies please refer to the Colposcopy information sheet.
What is a biopsy?
During colposcopy the specialist will use a harmless solution on your cervix to highlight any abnormal looking areas of the cervix and may take a tiny piece of tissue (a biopsy) for further examination. This may sting for a short time. The biopsy is sent to a pathology laboratory to be examined and the results are usually available within 1-2 weeks.
What if I need treatment?
If you need further treatment your Qualified Health Care Provider will discuss this with you when you have your colposcopy, or when your biopsy results have come back from the pathology laboratory.
Feel free to ask questions so you can understand what is going on and why. The questions below may be useful.
Questions you may want to ask:
After an abnormal Pap smear:
After colposcopy/biopsy:
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