The Pap test, sometimes called a Pap smear or cervical cytology screening, is an important part of women’s health care.

This test looks at cells taken from the cervix. It tells your doctor if there are any abnormal cells on the cervix. Some abnormal cells may be precancer or, rarely, cancer. Precancer is when there are changes in the cells that may, but do not always, become cancer if left untreated. A Pap test of the cervix does not detect cancer in other parts of the body. Most labs in the United States use the “Bethesda System” to describe Pap test results. This standard system helps doctors plan treatment if needed.