The exposed portion of the cervix is one of the most accessible parts of the female genital system for visualization and diagnosis. It remodels continuously during life and contains glandular tissue that responds to a variety of stimuli: mechanical, hormonal, microbial and local pH. Superficial cellular layers can easily be obtained as smears as well as bioptic samples; changes range from acute to chronic inflammatory disease to benign tumors such as polyps and leiomyomas to premalignant and finally malignant squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Cells, removed from the cervix, stained and visually analyzed by an experienced professional can reveal abnormalities with an acceptable degree of certainty; the evaluation of cervical smears (Pap test) dates back to G.N.Papanicolau (1893-1962) and has become a standard tool in screening and cancer diagnostics.
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