There are many reasons for "abnormal" Pap test results. If results of the Pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, your doctor will probably repeat the Pap test.

If the test finds more serious changes in the cells of the cervix, the doctor will suggest more powerful tests. Results of these tests will help your doctor decide on the best treatment. These include:

• Colposcopy: The doctor uses a tool called a colposcope to see the cells of the vagina and cervix in detail.
• Endocervical curettage: The doctor takes a sample of cells from the endocervical canal with a small spoon-shaped tool called a curette.
• Biopsy: The doctor removes a small sample of cervical tissue. The sample is sent to a lab to be studied under a microscope.

A colposcope can help your doctor see areas on the cervix that are likely to contain precancerous cells. It shines a light on the cervix and your doctor will look at different areas of the cervix under magnification and this helps the doctor decide where to further test the tissue with a biopsy. In this way your doctor can differentiate between healthy tissue and tissue that might be diseased.