What can cause atypical cells in Pap smear?

What can cause atypical cells in Pap smear?

Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

Does atypical cells mean cervical cancer?

An abnormal test result does not mean you have cervical cancer. Possible abnormal findings on a Pap test include ASC-US, AGC, LSIL, ASC-H, HSIL, AIS, or cervical cancer.

How common are atypical Pap smears?

About 5% of all Pap tests will be abnormal, meaning that the sample contains atypical cervical cells. However, the majority of these cells are not cancerous or even precancerous.

What do atypical cells mean?

Atypical cells mean that the cells are not entirely normal. Normal cells go through quite a few changes before they become cancerous. The cells may not necessarily become cancer cells. The cells might not change further. Or they may die off or go back to normal.

Should I be worried about an abnormal Pap smear?

Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it’s important to follow up to make sure.

Can atypical cells be benign?

Atypical hyperplasia (or atypia) means that there are abnormal cells in breast tissue taken during a biopsy. (A biopsy means that tissue was removed from the body for examination in a laboratory.) These abnormal cell collections are benign (not cancer), but are high-risk for cancer.

What does it mean when they find atypical cells?

Atypical cells mean that the cells are not entirely normal. Normal cells go through quite a few changes before they become cancerous. The cells may not necessarily become cancer cells. The cells might not change further.

Should I worry about abnormal Pap smear?

Can you have abnormal cells without HPV?

If you don’t have HPV, it is highly unlikely that you will have any abnormal cervical cells. Even if you did, it would be extremely unlikely that they would cause a problem. You will simply be called back for screening again in 3 – 5 years’ time (depending on your age).