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Pap smear

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Alternative Names:

Papanicolaou test

Normal Values:

A normal value is negative, meaning there are no abnormal cells present.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal values are based on the test results. The current system of reporting divides the results into three main areas: benign (noncancerous), precancerous (showing some abnormal cell changes), and malignant (possibly cancerous).

The Pap smear is a screening test. If your pap smear is abnormal, you may require a repeat pap smear or colposcopic evalauation. Your doctor will advise you. See Colposcopy-directed biopsy .

• Review Date: 5/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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