citologiaPap

Citologia Pap, also known as Papanicolaou cytology or Pap smear, is a cervical cancer screening test that detects precancerous changes and early invasive disease by examining cells collected from the cervix. The sample is typically obtained during a pelvic examination with a speculum. Cells are gathered from the transformation zone and prepared on a slide or in a liquid-based medium for microscopic evaluation after staining with the Papanicolaou stain.

Results are reported using standardized categories. A negative result indicates no intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM). Abnormal findings may include atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade lesions (ASC-H), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and glandular abnormalities (AGC). More suspicious results require diagnostic follow-up, typically colposcopy with directed biopsy; in some cases, immediate treatment is considered.

Pap cytology is one component of cervical cancer screening. In many countries, guidelines define age ranges and intervals. Screening usually starts between ages 21 and 25 and continues until 65. People aged 21–29 are commonly screened every 3 years with cytology alone; people aged 30–65 may be screened every 3 years with cytology alone or every 5 years with cotesting (cytology plus HPV testing). Pregnant individuals can be screened, and prior hysterectomy with removal of the cervix generally changes screening needs. Limitations include imperfect sensitivity and sampling variability, which may necessitate repeat testing or follow-up procedures.