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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Pap Smear Abnormal Indicate?

I am 53 years old. I just learned that my pap smear came back "abnormal". This has never occurred before. My gp said that there was a lesion, hpv (low risk) and is referring me to a gynocologist. I have not had many partners.(7 in my lifetime) I am freaking out.
Wed, 28 May 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. This usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer.
Abnormal changes on your cervix are likely caused by HPV. The changes may be minor (low-grade) in your case. Most of the time, minor changes go back to normal on their own. But more serious changes can turn into cancer if they are not removed. The more serious changes are often called “premalignant” because they are not yet cancer, but they can turn into cancer over time. It is important to make sure these changes do not get worse. That is why you must consult your gynecologist.
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What Does Pap Smear Abnormal Indicate?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. An abnormal result means that cell changes were found on your cervix. This usually does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Abnormal changes on your cervix are likely caused by HPV. The changes may be minor (low-grade) in your case. Most of the time, minor changes go back to normal on their own. But more serious changes can turn into cancer if they are not removed. The more serious changes are often called “premalignant” because they are not yet cancer, but they can turn into cancer over time. It is important to make sure these changes do not get worse. That is why you must consult your gynecologist.