HPV & Abnormal Pap Smear

An abnormal Pap smear result can feel concerning, but it does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. In most cases, it reflects minor cell changes—often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)—that simply require monitoring or follow-up.

At Legacy For Women in Henderson, NV, our OBGYN team provides expert cervical health care, from routine Pap smears to advanced diagnostic testing, to help you understand your results and protect your long-term health.

What Is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear, or Pap test, is a routine screening used to check for abnormal cells on the cervix. The purpose is early detection of changes before they develop into cervical cancer.

Pap smears are often combined with HPV testing, known as co-testing, especially for women ages 30 and older.

What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Certain high-risk strains can cause cervical cell changes that may lead to cancer if left untreated.

Most HPV infections resolve naturally within one to two years, particularly in younger women. However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types requires closer monitoring and, in some cases, treatment.

What Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?

Abnormal Pap smear results are classified into several categories:

ASC-US: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
LSIL: Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (mild changes)
HSIL: High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (moderate to severe changes)
AGC: Atypical glandular cells (less common, may require additional testing)

An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer. It simply means that some cervical cells appear different and need additional evaluation.

Common Reasons for an Abnormal Pap Smear

HPV infection (especially high-risk strains)
Inflammation or recent infection
Recent sexual activity
Menopause-related thinning of cervical tissue
Early precancerous changes (CIN 1, CIN 2, or CIN 3)

Your provider will determine the next steps based on your specific results and risk factors.

Next Steps After an Abnormal Pap or Positive HPV Test

If your Pap smear or HPV test is abnormal, your provider may recommend one or more of the following:

Repeat Pap or HPV test: To monitor changes over time, typically after 6–12 months.
Colposcopy: A closer examination of the cervix using a magnifying device. A small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken if any abnormal areas are seen.
Cervical biopsy results:

- CIN 1: Mild cellular changes that often resolve without treatment.
- CIN 2 or 3: Moderate to severe changes that may require removal of abnormal cells.

Treatment Options for Precancerous Cervical Changes

If treatment is needed, your OBGYN will discuss safe and effective options such as:

Cryotherapy: Freezes abnormal cells so they can be replaced with healthy tissue.
LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): Removes abnormal tissue using a thin wire loop with electrical current.
Cold knife cone biopsy: Removes a cone-shaped section of tissue for more severe or unclear results.

These procedures are typically performed in-office or as outpatient treatments, with minimal recovery time.

Preventing Cervical Changes

While HPV is very common, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Stay up to date with Pap smears and HPV testing.
Get the HPV vaccine, ideally before sexual activity begins (available up to age 45).
Use condoms to lower transmission risk.
Avoid smoking, as it can weaken cervical tissue and increase risk of infection.

Routine screening and preventive care are the best ways to protect your cervical health.

HPV & Abnormal Pap Smear