An abnormal Pap smear does not mean you have cervical cancer. It means the laboratory found cervical cells that look different from expected, and your next step depends on the exact result, HPV status, age, and previous screening history. Routine gynecologic care can include cervical cancer screening and follow-up when results aren’t normal.
Northwest Women’s Center in Houston, TX, has physicians and nurse practitioners caring for reproductive and gynecologic health. The team includes Christopher M. McGuirk, MD, FACOG, and Dudley D. Baker IV, MD, FACOG, who are both board-certified OB/GYNs and Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The practice also performs in-office colposcopy when the cervix needs closer examination.
What Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?
Pap testing looks for changes in cervical cells. An abnormal result can range from minor changes to findings that require closer evaluation. Terms you might see include:
- ASC-US: Some cells look unusual, but the cause isn’t clear. HPV testing often helps determine the next step.
- LSIL: These low-grade cell changes are frequently linked with HPV.
- ASC-H or HSIL: These results raise greater concern for high-grade changes and typically need closer evaluation.
- AGC: Abnormal glandular cells can require additional testing because they may come from the cervix or uterus.
Most abnormal cervical screening results are not cervical cancer.
What Happens After an Abnormal Pap Smear?
Follow-up depends on your risk level rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Current risk-based guidance (opens in new tab) considers your Pap and HPV results, past screening history, previous cervical care, and age.
Your next step can include repeat HPV testing or a Pap/HPV co-test after a set interval, colposcopy with a possible biopsy, or treatment when your level of risk or test results indicate that it’s appropriate. Remember that repeat testing isn’t the same as ignoring an abnormal result.
When Is a Colposcopy Needed?
A colposcopy lets your gynecologist examine the cervix under magnification. Northwest Women’s Center performs colposcopy in the office, and a small biopsy can be taken from an abnormal area for laboratory review.
Certain Pap or HPV results may lead to colposcopy. If a biopsy is taken, the result helps determine what comes next.
How Does HPV Affect Follow-Up?
High-risk HPV matters because persistent infection can lead to precancerous cervical changes over time. A positive HPV test does not automatically mean you have cancer, and many HPV infections clear without causing serious problems.
Your clinician will interpret HPV findings together with your Pap result and screening history.
Get Follow-Up Care in Houston, TX
Abnormal results are easier to manage when you understand what they mean and what comes next. The Northwest Women’s Center team in Houston, TX, can review your screening results and help you decide how to proceed. Contact us or call 281-444-3440.
