It is important for a woman to discuss the results of her Pap test with her physician and to inquire about the quality control measures that are taken in the laboratory in which the tissue sample is evaluated. If the Pap test shows an ambiguous or minor abnormality, the physician may repeat the test to ensure accuracy. The colposcope does not enter the body. A Schiller test may also be performed. For this test, the doctor coats the cervix with an iodine solution.
Healthy cells turn brown and abnormal cells turn white or yellow.
Both of these procedures can be done in the doctor's office. The doctor may also remove a small amount of cervical tissue for examination by a pathologist. This procedure is called a biopsy and is the only sure way to know whether the abnormal cells indicate cancer. The CIS, a program of the National Cancer Institute, is a nationwide telephone service for cancer patients and their families, the public, and health care professionals. They can answer questions in English and Spanish and can send free printed material.