What Does a Pap Smear Tell Us?
A Pap smear gives us information about the cells of the cervix or vagina. An abnormal Pap smear means that changes in the cells have been found. These changes can be referred to as “warning cells” (cells that can later become cancer cells.) This is why it is important to have regular Pap smears and to treat any abnormalities at an early stage. Some abnormal Pap smears are due to infections of the cervix or vagina. Many abnormal Pap smears caused by infection will return to normal once the infection is treated. It is not possible to remove every cell of the cervix with a Pap smear. Therefore, cells that are taken for the Pap smear can be normal and the cells remaining on the cervix may be abnormal. This does not happen often, but it is possible. This is another reason to have Pap smears regularly.
