Management of Women with Abnormal Pap Smear Tests in Pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy provides a unique opportunity for young women to begin participating in the National Cancer Screening Program. The incidence of abnormal Pap smear test results during pregnancy is approximately 5%, and is comparable to that in non-pregnant women. However, normal physiological changes of the cervix during pregnancy can complicate the diagnostic accuracy of the Pap smear test, and prevent appropriate management in women who yield an abnormal test result. To date, no large, prospective clinical trials evaluating the management of women with abnormal Pap smear tests in pregnancy have been performed. Herein, we review and summarize a large series of literature and consensus guidelines on the evaluation of abnormal Pap smear test results and the management of cervical neoplasia in pregnancy.