Download Understanding Your Pap Test Results

What happens after a colposcopy?
If low-grade abnormalities were found,
you will need a repeat Pap test or another
colposcopy.
If high-grade abnormalities were found,
your gynecologist may recommend one of
the following treatment options:
•Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure
(LEEP): using local anesthetic, an electric
wire loop is inserted into the vagina and
abnormal tissue removed
•Cone biopsy: a day surgery procedure
requring anesthetic where a cone-shaped
piece of abnormal tissue is removed from
the cervix
•Laser therapy: a treatment that uses a
narrow beam of light to remove abnormal
cells in the cervix
•Cryotherapy: a treatment that uses
extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue
on the cervix
The Screening Program for Cervical Cancer
is a screening program of the Saskatchewan
Cancer Agency dedicated to the prevention
of cervical cancer.
The program provides education about
cervical cancer, informs women aged 21-69
when they are due for a Pap test, notifies
women by mail of their Pap test result, and
works with doctors and nurse practitioners
to ensure appropriate follow-up of
abnormal Pap test results.
If you have questions about screening,
please call 1-800-667-0017.
If you have a change of address, please
update your information by
calling 1-800-667-7551, emailing
[email protected] or online at
www.ehealthsask.ca.
Most often these abnormalities can be
treated successfully so that cancer does not
develop.
Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
March 2017
www.saskcancer.ca
@SaskCancer
Understanding
Your Pap Test
Results
What is a Pap test?
During a Pap test, cells are taken from
the cervix, which are then evaluated at a
laboratory. The Pap test is currently the most
effective screening test available for finding
abnormal cells of the cervix. Without regular
Pap tests, abnormal cervical cells may go
unnoticed and may develop into cancer if not
treated.
What does a normal result mean?
A normal result means that the cervical cells
appear normal and no cell changes were
found. You should continue to have regular
Pap tests at least every three years.
What does an unsatisfactory result
mean?
An unsatisfactory result means that the
sample collected during your Pap test was
not able to be tested properly. This may be
because:
•The cells were obscured by blood,
inflammation or mucous
•Not enough cells were collected to give an
accurate assessment
•The smear was not properly prepared on
the slide
•The slide may have broken in transit to the
laboratory
If you have an unsatisfactory result, you
will need to have a repeat Pap test in three
months.
What does an abnormal result mean?
An abnormal result means that some of the
cells of the cervix look different from normal
cells. This does not mean that you have
cervical cancer.
What causes an abnormal test result?
Most often, an abnormal result is caused by
the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is one
of the most common sexually transmitted
infections that affect both women and men.
Some types of HPV cause an infection that
will most often clear on its own. However,
some infections may lead to precancerous
cells which could lead to cancer if left
untreated. Therefore, it is important
to follow-up with your doctor or nurse
practitioner after an abnormal Pap test result.
What happens after an abnormal result?
Your doctor or nurse practitioner will contact
you for an appointment to discuss what
follow-up tests you may need. This will
depend on what type of cell changes, or
abnormalities, were found.
If low-grade abnormalities were found:
•You will have a Pap test every six months for
one year. If the cells return to normal, you
can return to regular Pap test screening.
If the cells are still abnormal you will be
referred to a gynecologist for a colposcopy.
If high-grade abnormalities were found:
•You will be referred to a gynecologist for a
colposcopy.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix
using a low-powered magnifying instrument
called a colposcope. It is similar to a Pap test
but is performed by a gynecologist who will
look for any abnormal cells on the cervix.
An instrument called a speculum will be
inserted into your vagina to allow the cervix
to be seen. A solution will be applied to the
cervix to help highlight any abnormal areas. If
abnormalities are seen, the gynecologist will
take a small sample of the tissue. The sample
will be sent to the laboratory for examination
to help determine if you need further
treatment.