It's a procedure that goes by many names: Pap smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test, cytology or simply a ‘Pap.’

At MD Anderson, we refer to it as a Pap test, but whatever you call it, you may have questions about this procedure, who needs it and what to expect at your appointment.

I’m answering those questions here and sharing some exciting news about how Pap tests may be changing in the near future.

You may already know that some types of colon polyps can develop into colorectal cancer. Or, that cervical dysplasia can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.

But did you also know that conditions called MGUS and smoldering myeloma can turn into multiple myeloma? Or, that myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic syndrome can eventually become acute myeloid leukemia?

Here’s what to know about these precancerous conditions and how to...