What Is It?

The Pap test (Papanicolaou smear) is an examination that is used to detect cervical cancer and precancerous conditions of the cervix. If a Pap test detects a precancerous condition (a change on the surface of the cervix that can lead to cancer), your doctor can treat or remove the abnormal tissue to prevent cervical cancer. If a Pap test detects a cervical cancer in its early stages, it may be possible to treat and cure your cancer before it has a chance to spread.

In almost all cases, precancerous changes or cancer on the surface of the cervix are caused by a virus infection called human papilloma virus (HPV). Some types of HPV cause genital warts, and some types of HPV can cause cancer. Most people who are infected with HPV do not have symptoms, but they can spread the virus to others. HPV is spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

A new test called the HPV DNA test has recently become available. Some laboratories use this test when they process a Pap test sample if the results are uncertain. Previously, cells were inspected under a microscope by hand or with a machine, to see if they appeared abnormal. The new HPV DNA test is a chemical test that can detect human papilloma virus particles. This chemical test is used in addition to the sample being viewed under the microscope for cell abnormalities.

The HPV DNA test has shown researchers how common this virus really is. Between 20% and 40% of sexually active teenagers test positive for recent HPV exposure, and about 40% of sexually active women between the ages of 20 and 29 have a positive test result. Since HPV is such a common virus, many sexually active women will have at least one positive Pap test result in their lives.

The Pap test is done during a pelvic examination. Cells are gently scraped from the cervix and are sent to a laboratory for evaluation. The Pap test itself takes only a few moments, but is usually part of a complete gynecological examination that may last between 5 and 20 minutes.