An abnormal pap smear does not always require special treatment, but it does require follow up. There are three broad categories of abnormal pap smear results:

• Noncancerous -- often reported as "Atypical cells"
• Precancerous -- usually reported as "Cervical dysplasia"
• Cancerous
  

If you receive a result stating that you have atypical cells in your cervix, your doctor is likely to treat you for an infection and have you follow up in 4 to 6 months for a repeat pap smear or simply have you follow up in 4 to 6 months for the repeat pap smear.

If you receive a precancerous report, you will likely receive colposcopy and possible biopsy. Further treatment will be determined by your physician based on the results of these tests.

The goal for a pap smear is to find a change or abnormality in the cervix before it becomes cancerous.