After collection, the cells taken from the cervix are examined by cytologists in the laboratory. The result is sent to your family doctor, who will inform you and explain its significance. The result is usually available within about 2–3 weeks of the test.
The results can be of three types: normal, unclear or with changes.
1. Normal result – cells are healthy
It means that no changes have been detected in the cervix. No treatment is needed. You will repeat the test in 3 years as part of routine screening.
Medical term used: NILM – negative for intraepithelial or malignant lesions.
Regular screening every three years is the safest method of preventing cervical cancer.
Find out when you should have the test
2. Unclear or unsatisfactory result – the sample cannot be interpreted with certainty
Sometimes, there are not enough cells in the sample collected for analysis, or inflammation may be present that prevents clear examination.
In this case, the test should be repeated within 3 months at the latest. The repeated result will clarify the situation.
An unsatisfactory result does not mean disease or cancer.
Medical term used: UNSAT – unsatisfactory.
See what an unclear result means.
3. Result with changes – some cells look different from normal ones
This result does not mean that you have cancer, but only that further investigation is needed to verify the nature of these changes.
The doctor will refer you to colposcopy – a more detailed examination of the cervix using an optical device.
After colposcopy:
if the changes are minor, it is recommended to repeat the PAP test after 6 months or 12 months;
if the result shows high-grade lesions, treatment and periodic monitoring may be required for several years;
If a malignant lesion is confirmed, the doctor will issue a referral to the Oncology Institute, where you will be scheduled for diagnosis and treatment.
All cases with severe results (e.g. ASC-H, HSIL, AGC) are referred for colposcopy within 14 days of receiving the result;
Confirmed cancer cases are directed to the Oncology Institute within 7 days.
Find out what investigations are being carried out further
Medical terms that may appear on the analysis report
NILM – normal result, without changes in the cells.
UNSAT – unsatisfactory test; repeat the test in 3 months.
ASC-US – atypical cells of undetermined significance, usually the test is repeated or colposcopy is recommended.
LSIL – low-grade intraepithelial lesion, usually caused by HPV infection, colposcopy or repeat examination every 6 months is recommended.
ASC-H – atypical cells, a high-grade lesion cannot be excluded; urgent colposcopy is recommended.
HSIL – high-grade lesion; colposcopy and, if necessary, biopsy are recommended.
AGC / AGC-FN – atypical glandular cells (sometimes with changes suggestive of neoplasia); requires detailed investigations.
SCC – findings suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma (invasive cancer), rare case, but requires immediate referral to the Oncology Institute.
NOS – nonspecific lesion, requires further evaluation.
After treatment or high-grade injuries
For some outcomes, long-term monitoring is necessary:
- after an HSIL, AGC-FN result or treatment for severe lesions – repeat the test at 6 and 12 months, then annually for 9 years (total monitoring of 10 years);
- after treatment for ASC-US or LSIL – repeat at 6 and 12 months, then annually for 4 years (5-year follow-up).
Special cases
- Women who are HIV positive or on immunosuppressive treatment should get tested annually, starting at age 20.
- Annual testing is also recommended for women with immunosuppression of other etiology, such as glucocorticoid treatment, chemotherapy, or transplantation.
- Women who have never had the test and are pregnant can be tested during pregnancy or shortly after birth, as directed by their doctor.
Important information
Most women have normal results.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is common and usually goes away on its own, but it can sometimes cause cellular changes.
Colposcopy is a simple and painless procedure.
Treatments do not affect sex life or the ability to have children.
All results are confidential and used for medical purposes only.
Screening is a safe method of prevention that helps detect lesions early before they become a serious problem.