Abnormal Pap Smear

Since the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear became implemented as a screening tool for cervical cancer, the mortality from cervical cancer has sharply declined in the United States. The discovery of the human papillomavirus (HPV) as the causative agent in the progression from dysplasia of the cervix to cervical cancer has changed the types of screening offered to women and the management of abnormal Pap smears. The management of abnormal Pap smears has changed depending on the age of the woman, with women under the age of 24 years being managed more conservatively given the low rates of cervical cancer in this age group and the high rates of regression of HPV and cytologic abnormalities. Colposcopy remains the first line in evaluation of an abnormal Pap smear, with excisional treatment reserved for high-grade dysplasias with a high risk of progression to cervical cancer. Treatment for cervical dysplasia is highly effective, but even after treatment, there is an increased risk of recurrence or progression to cervical cancer for up to 25 years, and these women should be followed closely.  This review contains 18 figures, 3 tables, and 43 references. Key words: cervical cancer screening, high-grade cervical dysplasia, human papillomavirus, low-grade cervical dysplasia, management of abnormal Pap smears, Pap smear, recurrence of cervical dysplasia, treatment of dysplasia