Pap test

Medical intervention

The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), cervical smear (BE), or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or, more rarely, anus (in both men and women) or the vaginal vault. In patients who have had a hysterectomy, the cervix is normally removed and Pap smears are not indicated (unless the uterus was removed on suspicion of neoplasia). Abnormal findings are often followed up by more sensitive diagnostic procedures and, if warranted, interventions that aim to prevent progression to cervical cancer.

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