A Pap test is a very simple way to test the cervix for abnormal changes in cells that could lead to cancer if not treated. A Pap test is almost always done with a pelvic exam. The Pap test does not detect sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your doctor if you want other tests for these.

What is a pelvic exam? During a pelvic exam, the female reproductive organs are checked for changes in size or shape.

Glossary Terms

A procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix for examination under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer and changes that may lead to cancer. A Pap test can also show conditions, such as infection or inflammation, that are not cancer. Also called Pap smear and Papanicolaou test.