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- Abnormal Pap smear or "positive" result. Abnormal changes were found in your cervical cells. Most of the time, abnormal results do not mean you have cervical cancer. Minor changes in the cells usually go back to normal on their own. But your provider may recommend a follow-up test to check.
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What your cervical screening results mean. Your cervical screening results letter will explain if human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in your sample, what your result means, and what happens next. Sometimes you'll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
During cervical screening, a small sample of cells is taken...
- Colposcopy
What happens on the day; Results; A colposcopy is a test to...
- Further Help and Support
Getting support with cervical screening. You may need more...
- What Happens at Your Appointment
Home. Health A to Z. Cervical screening. What happens at...
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Jun 6, 2024 · HPV test results: What positive and negative results on a screening test mean. Pap test results: What normal, abnormal, and unsatisfactory screening test results mean. Follow-up tests and procedures after an abnormal Pap test (Pap smear) or HPV test. Treatment for high-grade cervical cell changes.
Home. Health A to Z. Cervical screening. What happens at your cervical screening appointment. During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing. It's usually done by a female nurse or doctor. Before starting, they should explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you have.
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- Overview
- Why It's Done
- Risks
- How You Prepare
- What You Can Expect
- Results
A Pap smear is a procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing. It also is called a Pap test. Healthcare professionals sometimes call it cervical cytology. A Pap test is often used to look for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the ...
A Pap smear looks for cervical cancer. It's one option for cervical cancer screening in anyone who has a cervix. A Pap smear also is called a Pap test. The Pap test usually is done at the same time as a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, a healthcare professional checks the reproductive organs. Sometimes the Pap test may be combined with a test for...
A Pap smear is a safe way to screen for cervical cancer. Still, a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, isn't always accurate. It's possible to receive a false-negative result. This means that cancer cells or other concerning cells are present, but the test doesn't find them. A false-negative result doesn't mean that a mistake was made. A false-negati...
To ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow your healthcare professional's instructions about how to prepare. Before a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, you may be asked to: 1. Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap test. These may wash away o...
During the test
A Pap smear is performed in a healthcare professional's office. A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, typically takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to undress completely or only from the waist down. You'll lie down on your back on an exam table with your knees bent. Your heels rest in footrests called stirrups. Your healthcare professional will gently put an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that your cervix is easily see...
After the test
After your Pap test, you can go about your day as usual. Ask your healthcare professional when you can expect the results of your test.
Pap smear results may be ready in 1 to 3 weeks. Ask your healthcare professional when you can expect the results of your Pap smear, which is also called a Pap test.
Jul 10, 2006 · Discover the most common abnormal Pap smear causes, including HPV, cervical dysplasia, and more. Learn what each result means and the next steps to take.
Aug 19, 2024 · The test can detect abnormal cells in your cervix before they become cancerous. Healthcare providers often perform HPV tests during Pap tests to check for HPV, one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. An unclear or abnormal Pap smear result may be a sign of infection, another problem or cancer.
Mar 29, 2024 · Abnormal Pap Smear. If your results come back positive, it doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. There are several reasons you could have an abnormal Pap smear.