A National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center

 

Patients & Families

Health Care Professionals

Researchers

Donors & Volunteers

Employees

 

Health Encyclopedia

 

 

Abnormal Pap and Colposcopy

Picture of colposcope and cervix

Follow-up for an abnormal Pap test may include a colposcopy. The doctor uses a microscope (colposcope) to look at the cervix. Smooth, pink tissue indicates a normal cervix. Abnormal cells growing on the cervix may be cervical cancer or cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised December 28, 2010

Last Revised: December 28, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.