Abnormal Pap Smear Evaluation in Santa Barbara, CA
Receiving a result that says your Pap smear was abnormal can feel alarming — but an abnormal result does not automatically mean cancer. It simply means that some cervical cells looked unusual and warrant follow-up. At Rashti Women's Care in Santa Barbara, CA, Dr. Rashti provides thorough evaluation of abnormal Pap smear results, walking you through every step of the process with clarity and care.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Pap Smear?
A Pap smear is a routine cervical screening test typically performed for women beginning at age 21 or when they become sexually active. It involves a quick, simple collection of cells from the cervix using a small brush during a pelvic exam. While a Pap smear is not a diagnostic test for cervical cancer, it is highly effective at detecting abnormal cell changes — called cervical dysplasia — that could potentially develop into cancer if left untreated.
What Happens During a Pap Smear?
At the start of the exam, you will be asked to remove clothing from the waist down. You’ll receive a medical gown and be positioned in the exam chair with your feet in the stirrups. A lubricated speculum is gently inserted into the vagina to provide a clear view of the cervix. A small, thin bristle brush is then used to collect cells from the back of the cervix. Most women feel little to nothing during this step — some may experience mild pressure or brief cramping similar to menstrual cramps.
The collected sample is placed in a small tube and sent to a laboratory for testing. The speculum is removed and the procedure is complete. A Pap smear typically takes only a few minutes. Relaxing your muscles as much as possible during the exam will make the experience more comfortable.
What Does an Abnormal Pap Smear Mean?
An abnormal Pap smear means that some cells collected from your cervix appeared different from normal. This does not necessarily mean cancer is present. Common causes of an abnormal result include HPV infection (particularly high-risk strains), inflammation or infection such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) indicating mild cell changes, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) indicating more significant changes that may require treatment, and ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), which is the most common abnormal result and often resolves on its own.
What Happens After an Abnormal Pap Smear?
The next steps depend on the specific type of abnormality found. Dr. Rashti will review your results with you and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which may include a repeat Pap smear in several months to see if the cells normalize, HPV co-testing to evaluate for high-risk strains, colposcopy — a more detailed exam of the cervix using a magnifying instrument that may include a small biopsy, or LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) — a minor outpatient procedure to remove abnormal cervical tissue if high-grade changes are confirmed.
Early detection and appropriate follow-up for abnormal Pap results is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. If you have received an abnormal result or are due for a Pap smear, contact Rashti Women's Care at (805) 682-7109 or request an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abnormal Pap Smears
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean I have cancer?
Not necessarily. An abnormal Pap smear means that some cervical cells looked different from normal. The vast majority of abnormal results do not indicate cancer — they often reflect mild cell changes, HPV infection, or inflammation. Further testing will determine what, if any, treatment is needed.
What causes an abnormal Pap smear?
The most common cause of an abnormal Pap smear is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly high-risk strains. Other causes include cervical inflammation, certain infections, and — less commonly — pre-cancerous or cancerous cell changes.
How often should I get a Pap smear?
Current guidelines recommend Pap smears every 3 years for women ages 21–65, or every 5 years if combined with HPV co-testing for women ages 30–65. Depending on your history, Dr. Rashti may recommend more frequent testing as part of our routine exam and cancer screening services.
What is a colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure performed in the office to take a closer look at the cervix using a magnifying instrument called a colposcope. It is often recommended following certain abnormal Pap smear results. A small tissue biopsy may be taken during the procedure for laboratory analysis.
Do I still need Pap smears if I’ve had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer-causing strains of HPV but does not cover all strains. Regular Pap smears remain an important part of cervical cancer screening even for vaccinated women.
Can I get a Pap smear during my period?
It’s best to avoid scheduling your Pap smear during your period, as menstrual blood can make the sample more difficult to read accurately. Try to schedule your appointment when you’re not menstruating for the clearest results.
How do I follow up on an abnormal Pap smear at Rashti Women’s Care?
Call Rashti Women's Care at (805) 682-7109 or request an appointment online. Dr. Rashti will review your results with you, explain what they mean, and outline any recommended next steps clearly so you feel fully informed at every stage.