TY - JOUR T1 - Current Use Of The Papanicolaou Smear JF - The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice JO - J Am Board Fam Med SP - 131 LP - 134 DO - 10.3122/jabfm.1.2.131 VL - 1 IS - 2 AU - William J. Crump Y1 - 1988/04/01 UR - http://www.jabfm.org/content/1/2/131.abstract N2 - The Papanicolaou smear is an extremely useful screening technique for early detection of cervical neoplasia. The recent clarification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) as a continuum of dysplasia has ramifications for management. The modern reporting scheme includes a narrative portion that gives the clinician information beyond the original Class I–V. This is especially helpful in interpretation ofthe atypical smear. The recent findings of invasive disease following an atypical smear and the malignant potential of condylomatous changes have resulted in early use of colposcopy in these clinical situations. This article discusses Papanicolaou smear technique, reporting classifications, and management of the patient who has an abnormal smear. ER -