What is the primary technique for evaluation of an abnormal cervical cytology smear?

• A. Laparoscopy
• B. Colposcopy
• C. Abdominal CT scan
• D. Dilation and curettage

Answer: (B)

When a cervical cytology smear is abnormal, the best next step is to visualize the cervix with a colposcope. This technique magnifies the cervix and, after applying dilute acetic acid, highlights abnormal epithelium as white, acetowhite areas and reveals abnormal vascular patterns. This targeted view allows precise identification of suspicious lesions at the transformation zone and enables directed biopsies for histologic diagnosis. Colposcopy integrates what the Pap smear suggests with direct visualization and tissue sampling, which is why it’s the primary method to evaluate cervical abnormalities.

Other options aren’t used first for this purpose because they don’t assess the cervix in a focused way. Laparoscopy looks inside the peritoneal cavity, not the cervix. Abdominal CT scans are imaging studies that don’t provide the direct cervical tissue diagnosis needed. Dilation and curettage samples the endometrium and uterine cavity, not the cervical lesion specifically, and isn’t the initial diagnostic step for abnormal cervical cytology.