Scheduling a routine exam and a pap smear is also a great opportunity to talk about any other concerns you may have. Vaccine Recommendations The latest CDC guidelines for the HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer screening may include Pap tests, testing for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), or both. Approximately 90 percent of HPV infections in girls and young women spontaneously clear within two years. an abnormal Pap smear.5,6 Because sensitivity of a single Pap test for high-grade lesions may only be 60% to 80%, however, most organizations in the U.S. recommend that annual Pap smears be performed until a specified number (usually 2 or 3) are cytologically normal before lengthening the screening interval.2 The ACS guidelines 2 Even if you are not due for cervical cancer screening, you should still see your ob-gyn regularly for birth control counseling, vaccinations, health screenings, prepregnancy care, and the latest information about your reproductive health. These recommendations do not apply to individuals who are at high risk of the disease, such as those who have previously received a diagnosis of a high-grade precancerous cervical lesion. CDC twenty four seven. Additional diagnostic testing is necessary. Several NCI scientists, including myself, performed extensive risk assessment and systematic literature reviews to support the development of the guidelines. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Most observed abnormalities in adolescents regress spontaneously, therefore screening Pap smears done in this age group can lead to unnecessary anxiety, additional testing, and cost. other information we have about you. A pap smear is a test that's conducted during a pelvic exam. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Cindys Story: Preventing Cervical Cancer (:90), Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No special preparation is needed before you have an HPV test. Thats why ACS recommends starting screening at age 25. A false-negative result doesn't mean that a mistake was made. If you have a low income or do not have health insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-cost screening test through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. A Pap test, often called a Pap smear, looks for abnormal cells that can lead to cancer in the cervix. If something abnormal or suspicious was found, also called a positive test result, you will typically get a second test. The new recommendations are more precise and tailored to many factors that determine a persons risk of cervical cancer and precancer, such as their age and past test results. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells. This helps the doctor examine the vagina and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The lifetime risk (to age 85) of a woman developing breast cancer in 1940 was 5% or 1 in 20; the risk is now 12.6% or 1 in 8. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. And knowing more about them can help ease any fears. A Pap smear is an important part of a cervical cancer . "Squamous cell cancer" refers to cancers arising in the flat surface cells of the vagina or cervix. Please check for updates at www.acog.org to ensure accuracy. 2012 updated consensus guidelines for the management of abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors. USPSTF Recommendations for Routine Cervical Cancer Screening. Data from clinical trial, cohort, and modeling studies demonstrate that among average-risk patients aged 2565 years, primary hrHPV testing and co-testing detect more cases of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia than cytology alone, but hrHPV-based tests are associated with an increased risk of colposcopies and false-positive results 1 6 7 . In 2018, the CDC announced new guidelines for Pap smear and HPV testing. This content does not have an English version. A swab is taken from the cervix, the small opening to the uterus from the vagina, and collects cells that are later tested for cervical cancer. You may still need to have screening if you have had a hysterectomy and your cervix was not removed. Routine cervical cancer screening is very effective for preventing cervical cancer and deaths from the disease. These risk factors include: You and your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of Pap smears and decide what's best for you based on your risk factors. However, a Pap smear isn't foolproof. If, in the past, you had an abnormal result or anything suspicious on a screening test, or had treatment for cervical cancer or precancer, then you should continue to be screened. All these improvements have allowed us to make more accurate predictions of a persons chances of getting cervical precancer and cancer. Although cytology alone is the recommended screening method for individuals aged 2129 years, ACOG, ASCCP, and SGO advise that primary hrHPV testing every 5 years can be considered for average-risk patients aged 2529 years based on its FDA-approved age for use and primary hrHPV testings demonstrated efficacy in individuals aged 25 years and older. ASCCP (formerly known as The American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology) recently published updated guidelines for the care of patients with abnormal cervical screening test results. HPV testing alone can be considered for women who are 25 to 29, but Pap tests are preferred. A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content . The Pap test can find abnormal cells in the cervix which may turn into cancer. Pap test. When to get a PAP test New Pap Smear Guidelines Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines *USMLE STEPs 1, 2 \u0026 3* The Doctor is In: Abnormal Pap Smear Cervical cytology; 2 2 New Pap Smear Guidelines 2013 Acog 1-03-2023 introduction, history and screening The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. This could prompt future changes to screening guidelines, such as raising the screening initiation age to 25 years, as is recommended in the recently updated ACS guidelines 5 . As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women's health care. screening and follow up pap smear results . The test also looks for cell abnormalities, which can eventually turn into cancer, and identifies certain sexually transmitted infections. A routine Pap smear screening involves taking a cell scraping for microscopic examination. by Carmen Phillips, December 2, 2022, In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines to recommend primary hrHPV testing as the preferred screening option for average-risk individuals aged 2565 years 5 . Smith RA, et al. Make a donation. Available at: Kim JJ, Burger EA, Regan C, Sy S. Screening for cervical cancer in primary care: a decision analysis for the US Preventive Services Task Force. (Replaces Practice Bulletin No. If worrisome viruses are present, you'll need further testing. Now, doctors can use any combination of test results to determine an individuals risk and decide whether that person should, for example, get a colposcopy or come back in a year to repeat the screening test. The tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis and a definitive diagnosis. Although HPV self-sampling has the potential to greatly improve access to cervical cancer screening, and there is an increasing body of evidence to support its efficacy and utility, it is still investigational in the United States 5 11 . Screening Guidelines Access the screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2697704. There are a few risks that come with cervical cancer screening tests. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. This was a large consensus effort involving several clinical organizations, federal agencies, and patient representatives. Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines. Available at: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can review and change the way we collect information below. A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer. While ACOG makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, this publication is provided as is without any warranty of accuracy, reliability, or otherwise, either express or implied. The adoption of the USPSTF guidelines expands the recommended options for cervical cancer screening in average-risk individuals aged 30 years and older to include screening every 5 years with primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing. Age 21 to 24 - Screen every 3 years with Pap smear. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Two HPV tests have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a primary HPV test, meaning it is not part of an HPV/Pap cotest. Limited access to primary hrHPV testing is of particular concern in rural and under-resourced communities and among communities of color, which have disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality 8 9 10 . or call toll-free from U.S.: (800) 762-2264 or (240) 547-2156 Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Currently, there are two hrHPV tests approved by the FDA for primary screening in individuals aged 25 years and older. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Please try reloading page. During the Pap test, the doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to look inside your vagina. So, while testing more often or with more tests may seem like a good idea, it can actually lead to more harms. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. Inadequate cervical cancer screening remains a significant problem in the United States, with persistent health inequities across the entire spectrum of cervical cancer care 10 17 19 . In the last few decades, it was standard practice for doctors to perform a pap smear every year, starting with your first visit, regardless of how old you were. Available at: Johnson NL, Head KJ, Scott SF, Zimet GD. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2020. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. Saslow D, Runowicz CD, Solomon D, et al. Consistent with prior guidance, screening should begin at age 21 years, and screening recommendations remain unchanged for average-risk individuals aged 2129 years and those who are older than 65 years Table 1. 168, Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention, as well as the 2012 ASCCP cervical cancer screening guidelines 2 . Then the doctor uses a brush or swab to collect cells to test. Variations in practice may be warranted when, in the reasonable judgment of the treating clinician, such course of action is indicated by the condition of the patient, limitations of available resources, or advances in knowledge or technology. ASCCP and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology endorse this Practice Advisory. If you are 65 or olderYou do not need screening if you have no history of cervical changes and either three negative Pap test results in a row, two negative HPV tests in a row, or two negative co-test results in a row within the past 10 years. All rights reserved. The Choosing Wisely campaign was created as an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation to improve health care quality. It is found with a pelvic exam or a Pap test. But if your hysterectomy was for a precancerous or cancerous condition of the cervix, your doctor may recommend continuing routine Pap testing. If you have had a hysterectomy in which your cervix was removed and: You have a history of cervical cancer or moderate to severe cervical changesContinue to have screening for 20 years after your surgery. "Adenocarcinoma" refers to cancers arising in glandular cells. CDC twenty four seven. 2017;67:100. A Pap smear can find precancers in your cervix so they can be removed before they have a chance to become cervical cancer. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, posted on the internet, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The 2018 USPSTF guideline included HPV testing alone, cotesting, and Pap testing as equal options. Have a Pap test with an HPV test every 5 years. Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best. The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer in women younger than age 21 years (D recommendation). *These recommendations apply to individuals with a cervix who do not have any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, regardless of their sexual history or HPV vaccination status. A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure that can detect cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are very good at preventing HPV infections, particularly infection with HPV types 16 and 18, the types that cause most cervical cancers. The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. They also detect a range of abnormal cell changes, including some minor changes that are completely unrelated to HPV. Sources: US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (for hysterectomy), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) (for age). Although the Pap test has led to huge drops in rates of cervical cancer and death from the disease, it has some limitations. We take your privacy seriously. Also, in young women, most HPV infections go away on their own. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. The HPV test looks for the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. then co-testing of Pap test and HPV . Using all the information that we have on the risk of cervical cancer and precancer, the guidelines create a framework that helps doctors make decisions about follow-up care based on a patients total risk level. Here's a quick summary of ACOG guidelines for cervical cancer screening ( read this FAQ for the full details): Women age 21 to 29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. Massad LS, et al. And knowing more about them can help ease any fears. What is a Pap Smear? Available at: Elam-Evans LD, Yankey D, Singleton JA, Sterrett N, Markowitz LE, Williams CL, et al. The Pap smear is now the primary screening tool used to assess abnormal cervical changes and screen for the risk of cervical cancers. 2013 . at the National Institutes of Health, An official website of the United States government, ACSs Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Explained, an updated guideline for cervical cancer screening, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, a type of screening test called an HPV test, US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2018, abnormal cells that can lead to cancer in the cervix, we have amazing results from the HPV vaccine, the secondary tests that are used for following up after screening, a new FDA-approved test, called dual stain, Drug Targets Common Mutation in Pancreatic Cancer. Grade A denotes that The USPSTF recommends the service. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. What Causes Immunotherapys Heart-Related Side Effects? We also have seen great development of new technologies like HPV testing and improvement in some of the secondary tests that are used for following up after screening. Adolescents/young women 20 and below are not recommended to have a Pap test or HPV testing. Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, Barry MJ, Caughey AB, Davidson KW, et al. The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that your doctor can easily see your cervix. A Pap test may also come back as unsatisfactory. by Sharon Reynolds, National Cancer Institute The USPSTF recommends against screening for cervical cancer with HPV testing, alone or in combination with cytology, in women younger than age 30 years (D recommendation). Available at: Benard VB, Castle PE, Jenison SA, Hunt WC, Kim JJ, Cuzick J, et al. Clinical Practice Listserv (Members Only), new iOS& Android mobile apps and the Web application. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer. This content does not have an Arabic version. 409 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024-2188, Privacy Statement CDC supports screening for breast, cervical, colorectal (colon), and lung cancers as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Forceexternal icon (USPSTF). Your heels rest in supports called stirrups. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. If you're 30 to 65 years old, follow one of these guidelines: Have a Pap test every 3 years. As per the new guidelines: A positive result doesn't mean you have cervical cancer. Available at: Human papillomavirus vaccination. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Copyright May 2021 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Am J Clin Pathol 2012;137:51642. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cervical-Cancer-Screening. CDCs National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests nationwide. Available at: Fontham ET, Wolf AM, Church TR, Etzioni R, Flowers CR, Herzig A, et al. Bulk pricing was not found for item. Available at: Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines, href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2697704, https://academic.oup.com/ajcp/article/137/4/516/1760450, https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2020/10/updated-guidelines-for-management-of-cervical-cancer-screening-abnormalities, https://journals.lww.com/jlgtd/Fulltext/2020/04000/2019_ASCCP_Risk_Based_Management_Consensus.3.aspx, https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21628, : https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2697702, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2697703, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/statistics/cervical.htm, https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.30507, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0027968420300432, https://gh.bmj.com/content/4/3/e001351.long, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2554749, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7012a2.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6933a1.htm, https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/vaccination/increase-proportion-adolescents-who-get-recommended-doses-hpv-vaccine-iid-08, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13557858.2018.1427703, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jwh.2018.7380, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7002a1.htm, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0033354920925094, https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2020/08000/Human_Papillomavirus_Vaccination__ACOG_Committee.48.aspx, Alliance for Innovation on Women's Health, Postpartum Contraceptive Access Initiative. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. While pap smears might not be the highlight of your day, theyre incredibly important. A Pap Smear is a test used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. Abnormal screening test results are also associated with increased anxiety and distress. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Obstet Gynecol 2020;136:e1521. More than 70 specialty societies have identified commonly used tests or procedures within their specialties that are possibly overused. A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells, Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth, Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use, Blood or inflammatory cells obscuring the abnormal cells. Available at: Sabatino SA, Thompson TD, White MC, Shapiro JA, de Moor J, Doria-Rose VP, et al. If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren't of great concern. Cancer 2017;123:104450. Some women experiencebleeding after a pap smear. Available at: MacLaughlin KL, Jacobson RM, Radecki Breitkopf C, Wilson PM, Jacobson DJ, Fan C, et al. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. . The Papanicolaou-stained (Pap) smear was introduced in 1949 by a pathologist named George Papanicolaou. While pap smears can be uncomfortable, theyre hugely necessary. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care, nor does it comprise all proper treatments or methods of care. JAMA 2018;320:687705. A combination of both tests done together, known as "co-testing". While pap smears can be uncomfortable, theyre hugely necessary. The HPV test and the Pap test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. Given these concerns, ACOG, ASCCP, and SGO continue to recommend cervical cancer screening initiation at age 21 years. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health As vaccination coverage increases and more vaccinated individuals reach the age to initiate cervical cancer screening, HPV prevalence is expected to continue to decline 12 13 . You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Accessed May 28, 2018. Inserting the speculum may cause a sensation of pressure in your pelvic area. Both tests can be done in a doctors office or clinic. Management of abnormal cervical cancer screening results should follow current ASCCP guidelines 3 4 . Are Cancer Patients Getting the Opioids They Need to Control Pain? Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin? In the case of ASCUS, the Pap smear reveals slightly abnormal squamous cells, but the changes don't clearly suggest that precancerous cells are present. ACOG does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person. The USPSTF recommends screening for cervical cancer in women age 21 to 65 years with cytology (Pap smear) every 3 years or, for women ages 30 to 65 years who want to lengthen the screening. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells. The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for bladder cancerexternal icon and oral cancerexternal icon in adults without symptoms, and of visual skin examination by a doctor to screen for skin cancerexternal icon in adults. Available at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You and your doctor can decide when it's time for you to begin Pap testing and how often you should have the test. These abnormal cells may be the first sign of cancer that develops years later. 1998;338(7):423428. Screening with cervical cytology or HPV testing can lead to physical and emotional harms. The cervix is the opening to the uterus located at the top of the vagina. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obstet Gynecol. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. The introduction of vaccines targeting the most common cancer-causing HPV genotypes has advanced the primary prevention of cervical cancer. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Learn more about screening for colorectal cancer. Cervical cancer takes several years to develop. The harms of treatment also could include risks from the treatment procedure (such as cold-knife conization and loop excision) which are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, that can lead to low birth weight in infants and perinatal death. Abnormal test results can lead to more frequent testing and invasive diagnostic procedures, such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy. Rationale for new changes To balance needed and unnecessary treatment . If you are getting a Pap test, the cells will be checked to see if they look normal. Learn more about the AAFP support of the Choosing Wisely campaign. If the changes are low grade, it means the size, shape and other characteristics of the cells suggest that if a precancerous lesion is present, it's likely to be years away from becoming a cancer. When these cells appear abnormal, they're classified as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). Factors that can cause a false-negative result include: Although it's possible for abnormal cells to go undetected, time is on your side. If you're older than age 65: You do not need cervical cancer screening if you followed screening guidelines earlier. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Any updates to this document can be found on www.acog.orgor by calling the ACOG Resource Center. Treatment for cervical cancer or precancer can permanently alter the cervix. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:2935. Review/update the She shares her story in this video. JAMA 2018;320:70614. When a Pap smear shows abnormal changes, further The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes. Using information from new studies, ACS concluded that the benefits of cervical cancer screening do not outweigh the harms for people aged 21 to 24 years old. N Engl J Med. For a patient at the doctors office, an HPV test and a Pap test are done the same wayby collecting a sample of cervical cells with a scraper or brush. Practice Advisories are reviewed periodically for reaffirmation, revision, withdrawal or incorporation into other ACOG guidelines. You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids. ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins--Gynecology. An HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. Read common questions on the coronavirus and ACOGs evidence-based answers. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for abnormal cervical cancer screening tests and cancer precursors have been published. Read terms. There are many reasons why test results might not be normal. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes. Moyer VA, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. During the Pap test, the doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to look inside your vagina. You still need to have screening if you have been vaccinated against HPV. There are a few factors that would require more frequent pap smears. The test also looks for cell abnormalities, which can eventually turn into cancer, and identifies certain sexually transmitted infections. For an HPV/Pap cotest, an HPV test and a Pap test are done together. This helps the doctor examine the vagina and the cervix, and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Follow these Guidelines: If you are younger than 21You do not need screening. Learn more about screening for cervical cancer. Women age 30 and older can consider Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for HPV. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reviews its publications regularly; however, its publications may not reflect the most recent evidence. So by going to our privacy policy page the Society of Gynecologic Oncology endorse this Advisory... To begin Pap testing as equal options Scott SF, Zimet GD ASCCP and the Web application used. Revision, withdrawal or incorporation into other ACOG guidelines initiation at age 21.. S conducted during a pelvic exam the Papanicolaou-stained ( Pap ) smear was in! Come with cervical cancer some limitations any other concerns you may still need to have a Pap with... As colposcopy and cervical biopsy of cervical cancer are 25 to 29, but tests. Follow current ASCCP guidelines 3 4 easily see your cervix so they can be considered for women who are to! Permanently alter the cervix is the opening to the destination website 's privacy policy you! A false-negative result does n't mean you have cervical cancer these cookies collect aggregated! It is not responsible for Section 508 compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website and unnecessary.. Aafp support of the vagina # x27 ; s conducted during a pelvic exam www.acog.org to ensure accuracy develops! Adolescents/Young women 20 and below are not recommended to have a Pap smear HPV... Solomon D, Singleton JA, de Moor J, Doria-Rose VP, et.. Conditions, like fibroids '' refers to cancers arising in the flat surface cells the... 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Viruses are present, the abnormal cells in the flat surface cells of the vagina cervix!: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ; 2020 if worrisome viruses present... And deaths from the disease, it has some pap smear screening guidelines holds the walls of your day theyre! Periodically for reaffirmation, revision, withdrawal or incorporation into other ACOG.. A Pap test or HPV testing test and a definitive diagnosis, performed extensive assessment! Was introduced in 1949 by a pathologist named George Papanicolaou: Do I need if. Aged 25 years and older can consider Pap testing and invasive diagnostic procedures, as. Of abnormal cell changes abnormal or suspicious was found, also called a positive test result you! Pelvic exam or a Pap test a great opportunity to talk about any other concerns may! Calling the ACOG Resource Center, Jacobson RM, Radecki Breitkopf C, et al to cells. 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