My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Women's Health

Women's Health Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Women's Health Trends:

Women's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Abnormal Pap Test - Topic Overview

(continued)

You will need more tests to find out if you have an infection or to find out how severe the cell changes are. These tests may include:

Colposcopy, a test to look at the vagina and cervix through a lighted magnifying tool.
An HPV test. Like a Pap test, an HPV test is done on a sample of cells taken from the cervix.
Another Pap test in 4 to 6 months.

A colposcopy is usually done before any treatment is given. During a colposcopy, the doctor also takes a small sample of tissue from the cervix so that it can be looked at under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.

Treatment, if any, will depend on whether your abnormal cell changes are mild, moderate, or severe. In moderate to severe cases, you may have treatment to destroy or remove the abnormal cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about abnormal Pap tests:	What is a Pap test? What is an abnormal Pap test? What causes an abnormal Pap test? What are the symptoms of cell changes in the cervix? What increases my risk for an abnormal Pap test?
Being diagnosed:	How are cell changes in the cervix diagnosed? What do the Pap test results mean? How are abnormal Pap tests classified? Do I need to see a specialist? What is HPV testing and do I need the test?
Getting treatment:	What treatment will I need? What follow-up will I need if my Pap test shows minor cell changes? Is treatment different if I am pregnant? Will I need treatment for cervical polyps?
Ongoing concerns:	What are the risks of no treatment?

< Previous Page

1 | 2

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 28, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.