Pap smears are a lifesaving screening tool for cervical cancer. The test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous.
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Many things besides cancer can cause an abnormal result, including:
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Many things besides cancer can cause an abnormal result, including:
- HPV.
- Menopause.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Yeast infections.
What can show up on smear test?
The cervical screening test checks for human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and changes in the cells covering the neck of your womb. These changes could later develop into cervical cancer if they aren't treated.
What can abnormal smears mean?
Abnormal smears often represent a pre-cancerous abnormality on the cervix. These pre-cancerous abnormalities are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or Wart virus). This is a very common infection and 60-70% women (and men) get it at some stage in life.
