These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Indira, age 34: I was finishing school, starting a new job, and planning a wedding when the women's clinic called and said my Pap test was abnormal, with minor cervical cell changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). She says I do not have any high-risk factors for cervical cancer and that waiting 4 to 6 months to follow up would be fine. I feel comfortable with her recommendation and have so much to do right now that watchful waiting feels okay.

April, age 29: I started worrying as soon as my doctor called and said my Pap test was abnormal. She said the results showed only minor cervical cell changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). I could follow up with another Pap test in 4 to 6 months. But I had just heard about a woman at my health club who was diagnosed with cervical cancer and is now undergoing treatment. With that fresh on my mind, I knew I couldn't wait 4 to 6 months to see if everything was okay. So I asked my doctor what else we could do. She said we could schedule a colposcopy examination as follow-up rather than waiting.

Margaret, age 32: I had an abnormal Pap test in my early 20s. My health professional at the time explained that an abnormal Pap is common in young, sexually active women. My tests have all been normal now for several years. I recently changed jobs and moved, so I didn't have a routine examination for almost 2 years. Now I have another abnormal Pap test, and the results classify the cell changes as ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance). My new health professional explained that further testing for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types may determine how serious these cell changes are and help me decide what to do next. Because of my medical history, it sounded reasonable to find out more. The HPV test was negative, which made me feel better. Now I only need follow-up Pap tests to monitor the cell changes.

Aisha, age 22: I'm studying overseas for 3 months, so I had my regular gynecologic examination and Pap test at the student health clinic before leaving. The results showed minor cervical cell changes called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). The health clinic nurse said that these changes are not usually treated and that follow-up Pap tests are usually all they recommend to monitor the minor cell changes. She reassured me that watchful waiting would be appropriate and told me to come back for a follow-up Pap test after I return home in 4 to 6 months.

Connie, age 32: My health professional just called with the results of my routine Pap test. I have some minor cervical cell changes classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). I've had sexually transmitted diseases before, so I knew I might be at risk for an abnormal Pap test. He recommended that I have testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) to determine if I have a high-risk HPV type. Further testing, such as repeat Pap tests or a colposcopy, will depend on the HPV test result. Since my husband and I want to start a family soon, it will be best to follow up now so we know what we're dealing with.

Paola, age 16: I just had my first Pap test and found out I have cervical cell changes called low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). My doctor says most women with these cell changes should have a procedure called a colposcopy to take a closer look at the cells. But since I'm still a teenager, the abnormal cells will probably not get worse. Instead of a colposcopy, I will have another Pap test in 4 to 6 months.

Huan, age 54: My last Pap test showed that I had cells called low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). When a woman has LSIL, she usually has a colposcopy to evaluate the cell changes. The nurse at the clinic said women like me who have already gone through menopause can have a repeat Pap test in 4 to 6 months instead of a colposcopy if they want to, but I would feel nervous waiting that long. I will have the colposcopy to find out more about the cell changes and to see whether I need any treatment.