Abnormal Pap Smear

Abnormal Pap Smear services offered in Chinatown and Lower Manhattan, New York, Brooklyn, Flushing and Syosset, NY

Receiving an abnormal Pap smear result can feel concerning, but it does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Most abnormal results are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) or early cervical cell changes that can be monitored or treated before they become serious.

The experienced team at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology provides personalized evaluation and follow-up care for abnormal Pap smear results at convenient locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online to discuss your results and recommended next steps.

What does an abnormal Pap smear mean?

An abnormal Pap smear means that some cervical cells appear different from normal cells. These changes may be mild and temporary or may require closer evaluation.

An abnormal result does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Depending on the findings, your provider may recommend repeat testing, HPV testing, or a colposcopy.

What can cause an abnormal Pap smear?

The most common cause is infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is very common and often clears naturally, but a persistent infection may cause cervical cell changes.

Other possible causes include:

Cervical inflammation or infection
Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause
Benign cervical changes
Precancerous cervical cells
Less commonly, cervical cancer

A positive HPV result does not reveal when the infection occurred and does not necessarily indicate a recent exposure.

What happens after an abnormal result?

Your provider considers your Pap result, HPV status, age, previous screening history, and other risk factors.

The next step may include:

Repeating Pap or HPV testing
Additional HPV testing
Colposcopy
Cervical biopsy when appropriate

Not every abnormal result requires immediate treatment, but completing the recommended follow-up is important.

How are abnormal cervical cells treated?

Treatment is generally based on biopsy findings rather than the Pap result alone.

Mild changes may only require monitoring. More significant precancerous changes may be removed with procedures such as:

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP
Cone biopsy
Other treatments that remove abnormal cervical tissue

Your provider will recommend care based on the severity of the changes, your medical history, and your future pregnancy plans.

Schedule an abnormal Pap smear evaluation

An abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily mean cancer, but timely follow-up helps ensure that cervical changes are properly monitored or treated.

Call Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or request an appointment online to discuss your Pap or HPV results.

Abnormal Pap Smear