Cytopathological cervical smear (PAP) - performed on a slide

Oncocytological examination (PAP) helps to determine whether cervical cells are prone to developing into cancerous ones. A special instrument is used to collect a scraping sample from the surface of the cervix, which is then placed on a microscope slide and examined. During microscopy, the entire surface of the cells is examined to observe any changes. If abnormalities are found, an HPV test is recommended.

A timely PAP test helps to detect precancerous changes in the cervix, which are invisible to the naked eye, at an early stage and to take preventive treatment measures – to identify the cause of the changes (HPV, other genital infections) and treat them. It is important to note that the peak of precancerous cervical diseases is characteristic of young women, while cancerous changes are more common in older women. Once precancerous changes are diagnosed, they can be effectively treated, but the situation worsens and the chance of recovery decreases when the cancer "progresses" into deeper tissue layers.