Pap smear

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Female reproductive anatomy

Pap smear

The Pap smear

Uterus

Papanicolaou test

A normal value is negative, meaning there are no abnormal cells present.

Abnormal values are based on the test results. The current system of reporting divides the results into three main areas: benign (noncancerous), precancerous (showing some abnormal cell changes), and malignant (possibly cancerous).

The Pap smear is a screening test. If your pap smear is abnormal, you may require a repeat pap smear or colposcopic evalauation. Your doctor will advise you. See Colposcopy-directed biopsy.

Review Date: 05/15/2006
Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.