The annual pap smear results provide early detection of precancerous cells.  When a pap smear is abnormal there are a number of tests that could be performed to determine if the cells are cancerous or benign:

• Colposcopy - This is an in-house procedure where small biopsies can be taken from the cervix or vaginal wall.
• LEEP (Loop electrosurgical excision procedure) - When a colposcopy indicates that further therapy is necessary a LEEP is used to obtain a larger biopsy.  This is also performed as an in-house procedure.
• CKC (Cold Knife Cone) - When warranted, a cold knife cone is used to take a cone-shaped biopsy of the cervix for further testing along the endocervical canal.  This procedure is performed at the Surgery Center of Pinehurst on an outpatient basis.