Abnormal Pap and colposcopy


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Abnormal Pap and colposcopy


Illustration of abnormal pap

Illustration copyright 2005 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Follow-up for an abnormal Pap test may include a colposcopy. The doctor uses a microscope (colposcope) to look at the cervix. Smooth, pink tissue indicates a normal cervix. Abnormal cells growing on the cervix may be cervical cancer or cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

Credits


Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barbara S. Apgar, MD, MS - Family Medicine, Women's Health
Specialist Medical Reviewer Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated January 12, 2007

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