An abnormal Pap smear means that there are cells in the cervix that look unusual, which can be caused by yeast or bacterial infection, irritation, benign growths, hormonal changes, or pre-cancer. It does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. Most of the abnormal cells found during a Pap test are the result of a cervical or vaginal infection and are not cancerous. An abnormal Pap test result rarely means cancer is present, especially in someone who has regular, annual Pap tests. An abnormal Pap smear can be an indication that a patient is infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most important risk factor for the development of cervical cancer in women over age 30. However, HPV is not the only cause of an abnormal Pap smear. An abnormal Pap test result does not mean you have cancer, but it does mean that you need to follow up with your gynecologist immediately to discuss next steps. Depending on the severity of the abnormality, your doctor may recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment. If the second, follow-up Pap test result is also abnormal, you might have a cervical biopsy, also known as a colposcopy.