The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test, to examine cells collected from the cervix in order to detect any abnormalities including cancer cells, precancerous cells and non-carcinogenic conditions. The National Cancer Institute's Cervical Cancer Screening 2010 fact sheet explains that the test should be done every 2 to 3 years beginning within three years after a woman has sexual intercourse. Cervical cancer cases and deaths are reduced significantly by this test, and women who have regular Pap smears increase their chances for early detection and treatment of potential problems.
Abnormal
Pap tests with no cell abnormalities are labeled "negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy," as specified by the system used by
United States laboratories to report test results. According to 2009 information from the National Cancer Institute, approximately 55 million Pap tests are performed in the United States each year, which yield about 6 percent abnormal results requiring follow-up. Abnormal results mean cells on the cervix surface appear abnormal, but this seldom means they are cancerous. When a Pap smear shows ambiguous or minor abnormalities, the doctor may perform a human papillomavirus test on the cervical samples before recommending the test be repeated.
Inconclusive
Because the Pap test is such a sensitive tool for detecting early cervical changes, patients often receive inconclusive or abnormal Pap smear results. According to Power-Surge.com, the purpose of the Pap smear is to detect early abnormal changes in cervical cells long before cancer develops, and inconclusive or abnormal results seldom mean a woman has cancer.
False Positive
False positive and false negative results may occur; these are confusing and upsetting to patients. When a woman gets a false positive result, she is told she has abnormal cervical cells, when in fact, upon further examination, it is determined that the cells are actually normal. If a doctor says a woman's Pap results were a false positive, this means she probably does not have to worry.
False Negative
A false negative Pap test is when a woman's cells seem normal, but in reality, a problem exists that was not detected. False negative results may delay discovery, identification and treatment of unhealthy cervical cells. Having regular Pap tests means if abnormal cells are missed the first time, they will probably be found on the next exam. If a woman notices anything unusual regarding her health, she should contact her medical practitioner.
Non-Cancerous Conditions
Abnormal or inconclusive Pap smears may indicate various non-cancerous conditions. According to the American Pregnancy Association, asymptomatic women may have an infection or inflammation. Herpes and trichomoniasis may cause abnormal Pap test results. Recent sexual activity or the use of douches or vaginal creams is another reason for ambiguous Pap smear results.
Human Papilloma Virus
Slightly abnormal Pap smears may indicate the presence of human papillomaviruses, called HPVs. While the human papilloma virus is carried by up to 60 percent of women, most are completely unaware that they have it and never experience problems related to it. Of over 100 HPV viruses, 15 are sexually transmitted and some do present a major risk factor for cervical cancer. However, few women with untreated HPV develop cervical cancer; both the National Cancer Institute and National Cervical Cancer Coalition state that most HPV infections seem to go away without treatment.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ) Patient Version
- National Cancer Institute: Pap Test
- Power Surge: Abnormal Pap Smears, Dysplasia, Colposcopy, Cryosurgery And Other Treatments
- American Pregnancy Association: Abnormal Pap Smear
- National Cervical Cancer Coalition: FAQ's: CANCER FACTS National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health (NIH)
