The complex detection system leading to the discovery and treatment of precancerous lesions and early cancers of the uterine cervix is touched upon. By far the most difficult and underestimated component of this system is the screening and interpretation of cervical smears. Emphasis on the latest system of reporting, The Bethesda system is highlighted upon. Weaker points of the previous systems and the need for a newer system for reporting are stressed upon. The classification of the precursors of invasive squamous cancers is not easy, and various groups have advocated several schemes, none is yet perfect or universally accepted. The variation in nomenclature become less significant when the cytopathologist is a full member of a team made up of a clinician, histopathologist, colposcopist, and oncologist. As long as all members speak to each other frequently and use the same language and terminology, they will be able to determine the best treatment for the patient.