The Pap Smear: Controversies in Practice

'The Pap Smear' provides a comprehensive overview of the Pap smear in the new millennium. It covers all aspects of screening for cervical neoplasia, including the rationale between screening, the role of human papillomaviruses in cervical neoplasia, the morphologic diagnosis of normal and abnormal Pap smears, management of the abnormal Pap smear, quality assurance, legal issues and the use of new technologies.



It starts with the definition and goal of screening, the criteria of an optimal screening test, and a brief history as well as the achievement of the Pap smear. A gynecologist's perspective is presented to illustrate the options and strategies in clinical decision-making for the management of patients with abnormal Pap smear results. Currently available preparation and computer-assisted screening methods are introduced with their pros and cons discussed. Quality assurance issues for cytology labs that examine Pap smear are examined. Medicolegal issues are raised. The contribution of human papillomavirus to the occurence, development and detection of cervical neoplasia is demonstrated. Finally, the various morphologic entities on Pap smear, their controversies as well as their clinical significance are illustrated.



This book will be of interest to pathologists, especially cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, gynecologists, nurse practitioners, and public health personnel.

Barbara S. Ducatman, Department of Pathology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University. Helen H. Wang, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School.