What Does Abnormal Pap Smear Test Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 20 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 8 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had cervical cancer in 2002 where a hysterectomy was performed. My ovaries are still present. I just had a Pap smear one and a half weeks who. It came back abnormal with an Increased HP. level. What do I so! Need I worry about getting Cancer again?

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: treat for any infection. repeat smear. scan, biops Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using HCM. I went through the query and understood your concern. . Since you have noticed abnormal cells, the cause may be due to chronic irritation due to any infection also. So for my patients if any abnormal pap smear I usually advice a course of antibiotics with local hygiene if any features of infection and repeat the smear. If still abnormal you need to get done USG abdomen and pelvis and biopsy. This will help in diagnosing the cause. The further steps depends on the reports. I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask if any further queries and I will be glad to answer them. Wish you good health and faster recovery. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Lohit K (1 hour later)

Thank you for your reply. I have had chronic UTI's over the last two years, but it has been ongoing since August. I get one, take a course of antibiotics, then about two weeks later I get another. My hygiene is very, very good. I used to be a nurse, but I am retired and living in Istanbul, XXXXXXX now. So, I know how important feminine hygiene can be. My husband spoke with the PA who did my Pap smear and she us putting me on Bactrim based on the culture of my urine. Should I get another Pap smear prior to starting antibiotics, or will this not make a difference. I do not have a family doctor or Gyn here, so I will need to find out where I can go. I guess my main concern is having cancer again. I still have my ovaries as I stated before. What other kinds of cancer could I be susceptible to now that I do not have a uterus? Thank you again. Respectfully, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: scaning, biopsy required.pap smear pre & post treatment Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX , thanks for writing back. Cancer can develop at any place due to variations at the chromosomal level or due to chronic irritation. The cancer devekoos based on the cells that undergo transformation like squamous cell or others. Based on the site like vaginal or cervical (if cervix not removed during surgery) can occur. Pap smear is done to check for any abnormalities in cervix. Its just a screening procedure and does not confirms cancer. Since you have chronic UTI the chance of these abnormality may be due to chronic irritation. But you can't neglect this. Get done one USG abdomen and pelvis and also trans vaginal scan and if there is any abnormality then the further steps can be planned. You can get done another pap smear now and again after antibiotic therapy. But if not biopsy atleast get done scanning. This will help in diagnosis and also relieve your stress. Daily you can use betadine tampoons or application in vagina to prevent or cure any infection with your doctor's guidance. I hope this information helps you. Kindly write back if any further information required. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar