1.   An older woman with a positive test for the virus should then have further tests to look for cancer or precancerous conditions, the researchers said.

2.   A doctor operated on her for a precancerous cervical condition.

3.   But she also learned that she had an abnormal Pap smear, indicating a precancerous condition that needed close follow-up, but not immediate treatment.

4.   Mycek said that when the laser system can detect subtle, microscopic chemical and structural changes in the tissue that may be symptoms of early precancerous conditions.

5.   That can lead to a precancerous condition if untreated.

6.   Thus, she said, the test may be a cost-effective tool for figuring out which women with atypical Pap smears actually have precancerous conditions.