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We now have a better understanding of the role of human papilloma viruses in the pathogenesis of uterine cervix squamous cell carcinoma. We believe that oncogenic HPVs require other cofactors to complete cervical epithelium neoplastic transformation. The Papanicolaou screening test sensitivity has been estimated at 80% and its specificity at over 95%. In recent years, a more efficient screening has been achieved by means of endocervical brushes. The 1988 Bethesda System for cytological reporting has been put forward as a standard by the US National Cancer Institute and is presented here. Controversies about the sampling frequency and the significance of atypias are also discussed.