Abnormal Pap & HPV follow-up
Clarity for
your next step.
An abnormal Pap or positive HPV result can feel unsettling—but it does not automatically mean cancer. Dr. Hesham Elmokadem provides careful, personalized evaluation in Riverside, Corona and Moreno Valley, California.
- Risk-based review
- Clear explanations
- Thoughtful follow-up
experience
ReviewCurrent and previous results
UnderstandYour individual risk
EvaluateOnly when clinically indicated
PlanClear follow-up and support
Pause. Breathe. Get answers.
What does an abnormal Pap result mean?
A Pap test looks for changes in cervical cells. An abnormal result means some cells looked different from expected; it is not, by itself, a cancer diagnosis. Many changes are related to human papillomavirus (HPV), and some mild changes resolve without treatment.
Your recommended follow-up depends on the exact Pap and HPV findings, age, prior screening results, previous procedures, pregnancy status, immune health and other clinical factors. Two patients with the same current result may appropriately receive different recommendations.
Do not ignore an abnormal result. Timely follow-up can identify changes that need monitoring or treatment before they become more serious.
Understanding the language
Common result terms
Your laboratory report and health history must be interpreted together.
01
ASC-US
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance—the most common abnormal Pap finding. HPV testing often helps guide follow-up.
02
LSIL
Low-grade cell changes, commonly associated with HPV. The next step depends on age, HPV status and screening history.
03
HSIL or ASC-H
Changes that raise greater concern for precancer and usually require prompt evaluation, often with colposcopy.
04
AGC
Atypical glandular cells may require evaluation of the cervix and, for some patients, the uterine lining.
05
Positive high-risk HPV
High-risk HPV was detected. This does not mean you have cancer; genotype, Pap findings and history help determine follow-up.
06
CIN on biopsy
CIN 1 describes mild changes; CIN 2 and CIN 3 describe higher-grade changes that may need closer observation or treatment.
Personalized, risk-based care
Your evaluation pathway
Management is based on your calculated risk—not a single result in isolation.
Discuss your result →Review your complete record
Bring the laboratory report and previous Pap, HPV, colposcopy, biopsy or treatment records. Dr. Elmokadem reviews the exact result and relevant history.
Clarify what the result means
You will receive a plain-language explanation of the finding, your estimated risk and which options fit your situation.
Choose the appropriate follow-up
Depending on risk, this may include reflex testing, HPV genotyping, repeat HPV/Pap testing, colposcopy with possible biopsy, or treatment for high-grade changes.
Document a surveillance plan
Before you leave, know what happens next, when results are expected and when you should return. Continued surveillance may be important after treatment.
Specific recommendations require review of your records and clinical circumstances. Online information cannot determine your individual management plan.
You do not have to interpret the report alone
Bring your results. Leave with a plan.
Receive a careful review and clear next steps at a convenient Inland Empire location.
When closer evaluation is recommended
What happens during a colposcopy?
A colposcopy uses a lighted magnifying instrument positioned outside the vagina to examine the cervix. A speculum is placed, similar to a Pap test, and a solution is applied to make abnormal areas easier to see.
If an area needs evaluation, a small biopsy may be taken and sent to a laboratory. Some patients feel brief pressure, pinching or menstrual-like cramping. Dr. Elmokadem will explain each step and obtain consent before proceeding.
- The colposcope does not enter the body.
- The visit often takes less time than patients expect.
- Biopsy results determine whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate.
Make the visit more useful
How to prepare
Bring every resultInclude the complete Pap and HPV laboratory report plus prior colposcopy, biopsy and treatment records.
List relevant historyNote prior abnormal tests, procedures, pregnancy, medications, immune conditions and tobacco use.
Follow office instructionsIf colposcopy is planned, ask whether you should avoid vaginal products, intercourse or tampons beforehand.
Write down questionsAsk what your result means, what happens next, when results arrive and how follow-up will be tracked.
Questions deserve clear answers
Abnormal Pap FAQs
Your result is personal. These answers provide general education, not an individual diagnosis.
Does an abnormal Pap test mean I have cancer?
No. Most abnormal screening results are caused by HPV infection or early cell changes that can be monitored or treated. Follow-up is important to determine what the result means for you.
Do I automatically need a colposcopy?
No. Some results call for repeat HPV or Pap testing, while others warrant colposcopy. The recommendation depends on current results, previous results, age and other risk factors.
What is the difference between a Pap test and an HPV test?
A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells. An HPV test looks for high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cell changes. The tests may be used alone or together.
Can a positive HPV test appear after years of negative tests?
Yes. HPV can become active again after years of being undetectable, so a positive result does not necessarily show when the infection began.
What happens if a biopsy shows CIN?
CIN describes abnormal cervical tissue and is graded 1 through 3. CIN 1 is often monitored, while CIN 2 or CIN 3 may require close observation or treatment based on individual factors.
Will I need follow-up after treatment?
Yes. Continued HPV-based surveillance is generally recommended after treatment. Your exact schedule depends on the abnormality, procedure, results and medical history.
Do you see patients from Riverside, Corona and Moreno Valley?
Yes. Dr. Elmokadem has offices in Riverside, Corona and Moreno Valley, serving patients throughout the surrounding Inland Empire communities.
Does insurance cover abnormal Pap evaluation or colposcopy?
Coverage varies by plan, network and medical necessity. Contact your insurer and the office to confirm referrals, authorization and expected costs.
Care close to home
Four Inland Empire offices
Abnormal Pap and HPV follow-up serving Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley and nearby communities.
01 · Riverside
Jackson Street
3975 Jackson St., Suite 110Riverside, CA 92503
02 · Moreno Valley
Heacock Street
12712 Heacock St., Suite 9BMoreno Valley, CA 92553
03 · Riverside
Brockton Avenue
4500 Brockton Ave., Suite 315Riverside, CA 92501
04 · Corona
Washburn Avenue
760 S. Washburn, Suite 3ACorona, CA 92882
ZIP codes describe local service areas and do not limit appointment availability. Please call to confirm the most appropriate office.
Turn uncertainty into a clear care plan
Feel informed.
Feel cared for.
Schedule an abnormal Pap or positive HPV evaluation with Dr. Hesham Elmokadem in Riverside, Corona or Moreno Valley.
This page provides general education and is not a diagnosis or substitute for medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms. Individual recommendations require review by a qualified clinician.