Gynecology

Abnormal Pap Smears

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Pap smears are screening tests for cervical cancer in which a swab introduced into the vagina is used to collect cell samples. Pap smears have been instrumental in decreasing the number of cases of cervical cancer in the United States by detecting a precancerous condition called dysplasia.

Dysplasia is an alteration in the skin of the cervix, vagina, vulva or anus that has the potential to progress to cancer if left untreated. It usually doesn't cause any symptoms but sometimes can be associated with abnormal bleeding or spotting.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 28, 2008