Pap tests are an important part of a woman's routine health exam and have greatly reduced the number of cases of cervical cancer. The Pap test or Pap smear looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cancer. An irregular Pap test means that abnormal cells are detected and requires a follow-up for further testing. Many reasons can cause an irregular Pap test and the treatment depends on the test results.
Human Papillomavirus
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), an infection with the human Papillomavirus, also known as HPV, causes the most abnormal Pap smears. Many HPV strains exist causing the common warts that appear on the hands and feet. However, some strains cause cancer of the cervix, vulva and vagina. Genital HPV infections are more common in younger age groups and spread mainly through sexual contact. Having an HPV infection doesn't always cause cancer and the infection resolves on its own without causing abnormalities, reports The National Cancer Institute. Although, having a persistent infection with cancer-associated HPV types, increases the risks for progression from a mild abnormality into a severe abnormality or cervical cancer.
Hormonal Changes
Women undergoing menopause may have an irregular Pap test. The hormonal changes associated with menopause cause atypical squamous cells--undetermined significance or ASC-US, reports the National Cancer Institute. The cell changes often result because of low levels of hormones and with an application of estrogen cream on the cervix, the cells usually respond in a manner that indeed clarifies the cause was from a hormonal imbalance.
Non-cancerous Conditions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that non-cancerous conditions resulting in an inflammation or an infection of the cervix cause irregular Pap smears. Treatment might become necessary with the presence of an infection. A physician usually orders a follow-up exam and any further treatment depends on the results and if the inflammation and infection remain.
Certain Practices
A false positive Pap test result means that a patient was told she has abnormal cells, but the cells actually prove normal. The irregular Pap test results may be from certain practices or from having a recent menstrual period. The practices include douching; using a tampon; having sexual intercourse; using birth control foam, cream, or jelly or any other medication that might be inserted into the vagina. The CDC recommends avoiding them two days before a Pap test.
