Pap smear results are reported as negative or positive. Negative is good. This means that there are no signs of cancer, viruses, or bacteria from this sample. Pap smears that are reported as positive need to be evaluated further. Abnormal results can mean there is inflammation, infection, pre-cancer, or cancerous changes on the cervix.
Inflammation can be the result of yeast, gonorrhea, trichomonas, or other vaginal infection.
Sometimes women will have an abnormal vaginal discharge caused by inflammation. Dysplasia is an abnormal group of cells indicating pre-cancerous changes thought to be caused by a virus. To do this, you will need to sign a release of information at your doctor's office. Cancer AnswerLine nurses also are available to help you online, by clicking here. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.