PAP Smear Test - Cervical Smear Text

What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre-malignant) cell?

The body is made up largely of tiny “bricks” called cells. Each cell has a control centre called the nucleus (Figure 21.2). Malignant cells show several changes including enlargement of the nucleus and greater variation in the shapes of the nuclei and the cell (Figure 21.7). Pre-malignant cells may show similar changes. Fortunately, these changes occur before the abnormal cells descend into the deeper tissues.

Figure 21.2

Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-

The abnormal glandular smear: Cytologic prediction, colposcopic correlation and clinical management (2000)

Please click on the required question.

Q 21. 1 What is the cervix?
Q 21. 2 What is a cervical polyp?
Q 21. 3 What is meant by cervical erosion (ectopy) and cervicitis?
Q 21. 4  What is the transformation zone?
Q 21. 5 What is a 'Paptest' (PAP test (cervical smear) test)
Q 21. 6  My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows inflammation. Should I be worried?
Q 21. 7  What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre- malignant) cell?
Q 21. 8 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows abnormal cells. Does this mean that I have cancer?
Q 21. 9  What is meant by the terms pre-malignant cells, dyskaryosis, dysplasia and CIN?
Q 21. 10  What are the symptoms of pre-malignancy of the cervix?
Q 21. 11  What are benign and malignant tumours?
Q 21. 12  Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of my cervix?
Q 21. 13  What is colposcopy?
Q 21. 14  What treatments are available for pre-malignant conditions of the cervix?
Q 21. 15  Can pre-malignant conditions of the cervix be cured?
Q 21. 16  How can I be re-assured that the pre-malignant changes will not recur?
Q 21. 17  How can we prevent carcinoma of the cervix?
Q 21. 18  Is there a reason to screen for HPV?
Q 21. 19  Support Groups.
Q 21. 20  Are there any support groups?

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DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
Answers to FAQs on women's health, patient information and medical advice by David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (Gynecologist - OBGYN), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London