Many clinicians encounter cervical lesions that may or may not be associated with cytologic abnormalities. Petra M. Casey, M.D., with Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, discusses common cervical lesions encountered in practice and distinguishes those that can be safely observed from those needing further evaluation by a gynecologist.

Abnormal Cervical Appearance: What to Do, When to Worry?, published in the February 2011 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, also includes practical tips on how to optimize the cervical examination if a woman’s cervix is difficult to visualize.