Understanding cervical cytology

Abstract

Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives perform Pap smears routinely as a part of well-woman health care. However, the clinician may not understand the terminology used to express the results of the test or the rationale for strict adherence to correct technique. Information on basic histology and cytology is presented with the goal of helping the clinician understand what the cytologist is looking for and what the results from a Pap smear mean. Two sets of nomenclature for results are presented. Risk factors for development of cancerous and precancerous conditions of the cervix and the controversy regarding frequency of Pap smear sampling are discussed, as are guidelines for treatment and referral of women with class II Pap smears.