But, the Pap test is not only useful in detecting cancerous cells, it can detect other changes in the cervix and vagina, including dysplasia, or pre-cancer cells. Inflammation in the cervical area may also be detected. Inflammation may be caused by:

A woman should always consult with her physician about when and how often a Pap test and pelvic examination should be performed.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), general guidelines include:

• Women should have a Pap test at least once every three years.
• The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend annual cervical cytology screening with regular Pap tests or biannual (every two years) screening with liquid based tests (Thinprep) until age 30. Women under age 30 have a higher likely hood than older women of acquiring high risk types of HPV that cause premalignant cervical disease, which should be ruled out before extending the testing intervals.
• Women should seek expert medical advice about when they should begin screening, how often they should be screened, and when they can discontinue cervical screenings, especially is they are at higher than average risk of cervical cancer due to factors such as HIV infection or infection with the HPV virus.

Women who have had a hysterectomy should consult their physicians about whether or not to continue having regular Pap tests.

For more information go to the Center for Young Women's Health website.

Most cervical lesions of a lower grade will go away without treatment in adolescents. Thus, ACOG's current recommendation is to repeat the Pap test at 6- or 12- month intervals for a year after the original abnormal Pap test, depending on the individual situation of the adolescent involved. However, the plan of action for further testing and treatment after abnormal results from a Pap test will depend on the type of abnormality found and the adolescent's general health status.

Because certain strains of HPV have been found to cause most cases of cervical cancer, research efforts have focused on developing a vaccine against HPV. Two HPV vaccines have been developed, and clinical trials of these vaccines have been successful.

One of the vaccines, Gardasil®, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006 and can protect women from HPV infections. It protects against four types of the HPV virus, including the two viruses that cause 90 percent of genital warts. Gardasil can only be used to prevent HPV infection before an abnormal pap test develops.

Gardasil is administered as a series of three injections over a six month period. Recommendations for giving this vaccine are still being discussed but many professionals feel the vaccine should be given to girls before they become sexually active.