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Getting that call from your doctor’s office about abnormal Pap results can make your mind jump to worst-case scenarios. While any abnormal test result can be concerning, most don’t automatically mean cancer. They just show cell changes that need a closer look.
At Innovative Women’s Care in Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified OB/GYN Marguerite Brathwaite, MD, FACOG, helps women understand these results and walks them through the next steps.
A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer by collecting cells from your cervix during your pelvic exam. The test looks for cell changes that might eventually develop into cancer if left untreated.
Most abnormal results are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that often clears on its own. In some cases, certain high-risk HPV strains can cause cell changes that may develop into cancer over time.
Your next steps depend on your specific results, age, and medical history. Dr. Brathwaite might recommend:
For minor cell changes, especially in younger patients, watchful waiting is often appropriate. Many cell abnormalities resolve on their own as your immune system clears the HPV infection.
If not done with your initial Pap, HPV testing helps determine if you have a high-risk type. This information guides decisions about further testing or treatment.
This in-office procedure allows Dr. Brathwaite to examine your cervix more closely using a special magnifying instrument (colposcope). If she identifies abnormal areas, she may take a biopsy (small tissue sample) for further testing.
Sometimes performed during colposcopy, this procedure collects cells from inside the cervical canal for testing.
If Dr. Brathwaite finds more significant cell changes, she may recommend procedures to remove the abnormal cells. These treatments are typically performed as outpatient procedures with minimal recovery time.
Several factors can increase your chances of abnormal Pap results:
To protect your cervical health and reduce your risk of developing HPV:
Dr. Brathwaite and our team work with you to develop a personalized health management plan to minimize your risk and catch any issues early when they’re most treatable.
An abnormal Pap smear is not a diagnosis. It’s a screening tool that helps determine the next steps for protecting your cervical health. Most women with abnormal results never develop cervical cancer, especially with proper follow-up care.
The Innovative Women’s Care team is committed to guiding you through this process with compassion and expertise. If you’ve received abnormal Pap results or are due for screening, call our Las Vegas office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brathwaite.