ABSTRACT
Previously, the screening for detection of cervical cancer was performed by simple cervicovaginal sample collected by the physician whenever the patient attended the medical consultation, and soon it was established as the annual"Pap smear". Since then, an elementary test has evolved into a complex process with multiple algorithms for the identification of invasive disease. The detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) has become part of the new screening recommendations, resulting in major changes in the guidelines. This review intends to emphasize the most important topics that are part of cervical cancer screening, including cervical cytology and HPV detection, and to discuss particular aspects of cervical cancer in Brazil. Despite the great benefits achieved by the cervical cancer screening programs with cytology and HPV test, there are still important issues to be discussed and improved in defining future strategies, including simplicity and possible application in different socioeconomic contexts, definition of the best test or tests to be applied and recommended interval, minimizing possible harms. After the establishment of screening algorithms well defined by leading organizations, management protocols should be disseminated among physicians and patients by education programs.
Key words:
cervical cancer; cervical cancer prevention; molecular diagnostic methods; vaginal smears; HPV DNA tests