The Papanikolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test) is a screening test to detect premalignant and malignant (cancerous) processes in the cervix. Significant changes can be treated, thus preventing cervical cancer. The test was invented by and named after the Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou.
In taking a Pap smear, a tool is used to gather cells from the outer opening of the cervix of the uterus and the endocervix. The cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities. 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 papilloma viruses, known as HPV.
The test remains an effective, widely used method for early detection of pre-cancer and cervical cancer.
It is generally recommended that females who have had sex seek regular Pap smear testing. Guidelines on frequency vary, from annually to every five years. If results are abnormal, and depending on the nature of the abnormality, the test may need to be repeated in three to twelve months.
Dr Maria Papadopoulou is a certified doctor from "Hellenic Society of Cervix Pathology & Colposcopy".