The Pap smear revisited

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In recent years, guidelines for cervical cytologic screening have been reexamined and revised. The resulting trend toward less frequent screening for low-risk patients, however, necessitates increased vigilance by the primary care physician and the pathologist to minimize false-negative cytologic reports. In addition, the recent association of the human papillomavirus with cervical dysplasia has stimulated intense interest in this virus as a potential cervical carcinogen. Dr Zuna provides an update on these developments and their implications for both physicians and patients.