A Pap smear test is used to screen women for cervical cancer; it looks at cells on the surface of the cervix. It is normally performed as part of a routine gynecological exam. The cervix is at the back of the vagina and connects the vagina and the uterus. Women who have an abnormal Pap smear result may be infected with the human papillomavirus.
Human Papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is actually a family of related viruses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains. These viruses are able to infect epithelial cells that line the cervix and many other parts of the body. Some strains of HPV cause warts to develop, which is a result of the ability of the virus to cause cells to grow abnormally quickly.
Abnormal Pap
The results of a Pap smear are often classified based on the appearance of the abnormal cells, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains. The most common abnormal Pap smear result is atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, which means that abnormal cells are present, but it is not known if they are cancerous or a precursor to cancer. Other abnormal findings are squamous intraepithelial lesion, which is a condition that can lead to cancer; atypical glandular cells; atypical squamous cells that could be an intraepithelial lesion; and cancer.
Abnormal Pap and Human Papillomavirus
Abnormal Pap smears are most frequently due to an infection with a strain of HPV. HPV is able to cause mutations in the cells that it infects. This can result in the cells dividing abnormally, which can cause them to form genital warts or to develop abnormal growths on the cervix. Not all strains of HPV cause genital warts, and only some strains are associated with cervical cancer.
Follow-up
Women who have abnormal Pap smears that are suspected of being due to HPV may need additional testing, Womenshealth.gov explains. The most common follow-up test is a repeat Pap smear, which can confirm any abnormal findings. Women may also be tested to see if they have been infected with one of the HPV strains associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Women who have abnormalities on both Pap smears or who have a high-risk strain of HPV may need more thorough follow-up testing, including a biopsy of the cervix to determine if there are any dangerous growths or skin lesions.
Treatment
Women who are diagnosed with a strain of HPV that can cause cancer, as well as who have cervical tissue lesions, may need preventative treatment. The goal of this treatment is to remove the abnormal cells before they become cancerous. This can be done with a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, in which an electrified wire burns away the abnormal cells. The cervical lesions can also be frozen or burned away with lasers.
