Cervical cytology has been quite successful in detecting cervical cancer. Since the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer is usually very slow, taking many years to decades to develop, cervical cytology can detect cervical cancerous or precancerous states in most cases. The Papanicolaou-stained smear (Pap smear) remains the primary screening test for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be detected and treated with regular Pap smears. Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers.
The test mainly examines the cervical smear for cervical dysplasia or pre-cancerous changes. There are two main types of Pap Tests, the conventional Pap, and the liquid-based cytology Pap test. In the traditional Pap test or smear, the samples are swabbed and then smeared directly onto a microscope slide after collection. In the liquid-based cytology Pap test, the sample of epithelial cells is taken from the cervix with an arrow-shaped brush. The sample is then suspended in a bottle of preservative for transport to the laboratory, where the specimen is analyzed using Pap stains. An HPV test may also be performed if the Pap result is abnormal or both tests are requested. The sensitivity of a Pap smear is low at only 55%–80%; however, its specificity is greater than 90%.
Further information regarding cell types and terminology associated with the Pap test/cervical cytology testing are provided in the PDF resource that can be accessed from this page.
