Papanicolaou test

Papanicolaou test (also known as Pap test or Pap smear) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb). Abnormal findings are often followed up by more sensitive diagnostic procedures and, if warranted, interventions that aim to prevent progression to cervical cancer.

History

The test was invented by and named after the prominent Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou who presented it at the Third Race Betterment Conference in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1928 and published a paper on it in 1943.

Procedure

The test aims to detect potentially pre-cancerous changes (called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical dysplasia), which are usually caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs). The test remains an effective, widely used method for early detection of pre-cancer and cervical cancer.

Effectiveness

The Pap test, when combined with a regular program of screening and appropriate follow-up, can reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality by up to 80%.

See also

• Cervical cancer
• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
• Colposcopy
• HPV vaccine
• Human papillomavirus
• Georgios Papanikolaou

External links

• Pap and HPV Testing - National Cancer Institute
• Cervical Cancer Screening - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Papanicolaou test Resources
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