The pap smear is a simple test that detects changes in the cervix (the opening of a woman’s uterus). The cervix is covered with a thin layer of tissue and the cells that make up this tissue grow all the time. During a pap test the physician takes a small spatula and brush and removes cells from the cervix to be examined by a pathologist. If the pathologist determines there are any abnormalities the physician is notified and the patient must return for further follow up. The pap test can identify abnormal cells than could eventually lead to cancer if left untreated. That is why it is so important for women to have yearly pap smears. Even if a woman has had a hysterectomy she still needs to have regular pap smears because the vaginal cuff remains.

Some women have a higher risk for developing cervical abnormalities. Your risk may be higher if you:

• Have multiple sexual partners
• Had intercourse for the first time at an early age
• Have a history of STDs
• Are infected with HIV
• Smoke cigarettes

PAP SMEAR RESULTS

• NORMAL
  Only normal cells were identified on the pap test
• Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)
  Mildly abnormal changes were identified
• Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS)
  Mildly abnormal changes were seen in cells lining the inner cervix
• Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL)
  Cells that were tested show certain abnormalities. SIL can be low-grade or high-grade. Low grade includes mild changes and changes linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) High grade SIL includes moderate and severe changes and are referred to as "precancerous"
• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
  Changes on the cells of the surface of the cervix. Normal cells are replaced by a layer of abnormal cells. This is called dysplasia. CIN can be one of three grades:
  • CIN 1 - Mild Dysplasia
  • CIN 2 - Moderate Dysplasia
  • CIN 3 - Severe Dysplasia