Open AccessThe “atypical” papanicolaou smear
Author(s) -
Jones Walter B.,
Saigo Patricia E.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
ca: a cancer journal for clinicians
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 62.937
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1542-4863
pISSN - 0007-9235
DOI - 10.3322/canjclin.36.4.237
Subject(s) - papanicolaou stain , medicine , papanicolaou test , obstetrics , cervical cancer , cancer
Optimal management of the patient with the atypical smear requires a narrative description of the findings as well as frequent personal communication with the cytopathologist. When the cytologic abnormality suggests the possibility of an underlying early or poorly formed neoplastic lesion, colposcopy is recommended. A definitive histopathologic diagnosis can be obtained with a colposcopically directed biopsy, and any preinvasive lesions can usually be treated with excellent results on an outpatient basis with cryotherapy or laser therapy.