The cervix is the opening to the uterus, or womb. Usually Pap smears find problems early - while they are still easy to treat. Before Pap smears were available, cancer of the cervix was common and often fatal. Today, cancer of the cervix is rare and easily treated in women who have regular Pap smears. While an abnormal Pap smear may be a sign of cancer, many different changes on your cervix can cause an abnormal Pap smear.
Pap smears can be abnormal if the cervix is inflamed or irritated.
This can be caused by an infection of the cervix, douching, menopausal changes, or irritation. The cervix may also be going through some changes called dysplasia. Dysplasia means the cells on the Pap smear look abnormal under the microscope. Dysplasia isn't the same thing as cancer but may lead to cancer if it is not treated. Because your Pap smear was abnormal, more information is needed.