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Cancer Cytology: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pap Test?

A Pap test is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions primarily in the cervix of the female reproductive system. The test was named after its inventor, Dr. George Papanicolaou.

What is the difference between screening and diagnostic Pap tests?

A screening Pap test is used in a population to find an unrecognized disease in individuals without signs or symptoms. A diagnostic Pap test is used when disease is suspected based on signs or symptoms.

If a Pap test is abnormal, do I have cancer?

If abnormal cells are found, women are followed up with colposcopy (an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix). Pre-cancerous areas can be biopsied and then removed before developing into cancer.

What is HPV?

HPV is a human papillomavirus. There are about 30 to 40 types of HPV that can affect the genital area. Some types of HPV (especially types 16 and 18) cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancer. Some primarily cause genital warts.

How common is HPV?

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about six million new cases of genital HPV infection in the United States each year. About 75 percent to 80 percent of sexually active Americans will be infected with HPV at some point of their lives.

Who should have an HPV test?

HPV test are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for two indications:

  1. for follow-up testing of women who seem to have abnormal Pap test (reflex HPV testing) and
  2. for cervical cancer screening in combination with a Pap test among women over age 30 (co-testing).

SLPH Cancer Cytology Information