A pap smear is a test where your physician collects cells from your cervix and sends them for cervical cancer evaluation. Reasons why a pap smear would be abnormal include cervical dysplasia and HPV infections. There are usually no signs or symptoms, and that is why regular screenings are necessary. In the event of an abnormal pap smear a biopsy is taken from the affected area, and follow-up pap smears as indicated.