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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina.
Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.
- The Pap test. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp085.cfm. March 17, 2010.
- Pap test. WomensHealth.gov. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pap-test.cfm. Accessed March 17, 2010.
- Cervical cytology screening. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;114:1409.
- Smith RA, et al. Cancer screening in the United States, 2010: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2010;60:99.
- Screening for cervical cancer. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/cervcan/cervcanrr.htm. Accessed March 17, 2010.
- Sirovich BE, et al. Screening for cervical cancer. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed March 17, 2010.
- Cervical cancer screening. Fort Washington, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/PDF/cervical_screening.pdf. Accessed March 17, 2010.
- Gallenberg MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 18, 2010.
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