Click Image to Enlarge A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear)
is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix, or the
opening of the womb (located at the top of the vagina), for the
presence of: - Abnormal cells A Pap test, along with a pelvic
exam, is an important part of a woman's routine health care
because it may detect abnormalities that can lead to invasive
cancer. Most cancers of the cervix can be detected early if
women have Pap tests and pelvic examinations regularly. As with
many types of cancer, cancer of the cervix is more likely to be
successfully treated if it is detected early. The Pap test is
useful for detecting not only cancerous cells, but also other
cervical and vaginal abnormalities including dysplasia
(precancerous cells) and inflammation. Inflammation may be
caused by: - Yeast infections - Trichomoniasis infections -
Medications or other chemicals - Miscarriage (or abortion)
According to the National Cancer Institute, when the Pap test
shows an ambiguous or minor abnormality, the