vh:
Slag's assessment of pap statistics is pretty well spot on. I apologize for using too much doctor-speak.
My basic point is that the pap system is very successful at detecting the majority (but not all, as Slag points out) of cervical cancers.
But there is a particular type of cervical cancer that starts in the deeper tissues, higher up. Every case like this I saw had a string of recent normal paps, just as you describe. They notoriously do not reveal themselves on the pap.
I don't have an opinion on your specific and unfortunate situation, except to say that it does not suggest to me that she received improper care regarding her paps.
Again, you and your family have my best wishes for good health.
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Graham MD
Last edited by obgraham; 15th Jun 2006 at 18:39.