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Bethesda system

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Resources
  4. Glossary
  5. Bethesda system
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Description

A system used to describe cell changes in the lining of the cervix (the lower, narrow part of the uterus, or womb) for reporting Pap test results.

The Bethesda system is based on the appearance of squamous cells and glandular cells under a microscope, including the size, shape and behaviour of cells. It also describes if cancer cells are found in the cervix.

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