The Pap test is not a diagnostic test. It cannot be used to exclude a cancer of the cervix for a person who has symptoms that could be due to a cervical cancer. Pap tests are done on women who have no symptoms of cancer and have no findings suggesting a cancer. Thus, Pap tests are done only on women who are normal. If the woman has symptoms or findings suggestive of cancer of the cervix then a diagnostic test must be done to exclude a cancer or to diagnose a cancer.
Diagnostic tests are usually biopsies.
In the vast majority of instances, an abnormal Pap test results in the diagnosis of a minor change on the cervix. Some of these changes will be premalignant, but most will be of minor significance. They will all have to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated, but most will be easily and effectively treated. Occasionally, a real cancer will be present which is why this is such an important test. Most cancers are visible on examination and can be biopsied as soon as they are seen.