ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR CARE
IN SHERMAN, TX
Abnormal Pap Smear Follow-Up & Colposcopy
for Women Across North Texas & Texoma
What an abnormal result means — and what happens next
An abnormal Pap smear can be scary to hear, but it rarely means cancer. It usually means a common virus (HPV) or early cell changes on the cervix that we can simply watch or easily treat. At G. DeAn Strobel, MD, PA in Sherman, TX, we help women across North Texas and the Texoma area understand abnormal Pap results and take the right next step. This page explains what your result may mean and what happens next. Call or text 903-957-0275. Our board-certified gynecologists — Dr. Strobel and Dr. Cryer — and our team of nurse practitioners care for women across North Texas and Texoma.
What is a Pap smear, and what does "abnormal" mean? A Pap smear (Pap test) checks cells from the cervix — the lower part of the uterus. "Abnormal" simply means some of those cells did not look completely normal. Most of the time this is caused by HPV (human papillomavirus, a very common virus) or early changes that often clear on their own. An abnormal Pap is a signal to look a little closer — not a diagnosis of cancer.
Common results, in plain words. Your report may use short codes. ASC-US means slightly abnormal cells, and we often just check for HPV. LSIL means low-grade changes, usually from HPV. HSIL means higher-grade changes that need a closer look and often treatment. AGC means atypical glandular cells, which we check more carefully. The words "cervical dysplasia" and "precancer" mean abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, graded mild to severe (CIN 1–3). Mild changes often go away by themselves; more serious ones are treated to prevent cancer.
What happens next. The next step depends on your result and your history. For mild findings, we may repeat the Pap or an HPV test after a set time. For higher-grade findings, we do a colposcopy — a close-up look at the cervix with a special scope, usually with a small biopsy — to see exactly what is going on. If we find precancer that needs treatment, options include a LEEP or a cone biopsy to remove the abnormal cells. We will explain every step and never rush you.
Why follow-up matters. Cervical cancer is highly preventable when abnormal cells are found and treated early — that is the whole point of Pap testing. Skipping the follow-up is the main way early changes get missed. Whatever your result, we will make a clear plan and stay with you through it. To go over your results or set up follow-up, call or text 903-957-0275.