A diagnostic test for detecting cervical cancer in which a sample of cervical cells is examined for cellular changes. The death rate from cervical cancer is almost zero among women who have regular Pap smears.
A method of detecting abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. The test involves staining a sample of exfoliated cells taken from the cervix.
A microscopic examination of cells taken from different parts of the body, often the cervix and vagina, to detect abnormalities such as cancer, infection, and effects of irradiation, and to determine cellular hormonal activity.
A screening test for cancer of the cervix usually performed during a woman’s annual health examination. To perform a Pap smear, a doctor inserts a speculum into a woman’s vagina and, using a tiny brush or cotton swab, removes cells from the surface of the cervix. The sample is sent to a laboratory where the cells are examined microscopically for abnormalities, such as atypical cells, precancerous cells, and cancerous cells. Many laboratories also test for certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.