Pap Smear Tests
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 69, Word Count: 770,
Pap smear test is a screening test to detect any gynecological cancer. An anal pap smear is the adaptation of the same Pap test to screen and detect anal cancer. Pap smear is a simple, quick and painless test. Abnormal Pap smear test is also seen. This means the smear does not show the abnormal cells. Sometimes the normal cells also may be shown as abnormal. This means the sensitivity level of the Pap smear test is not very accurate and you need to do other test along with this.
Pap tests do show minor cellular abnormalities before there is some malignant growth. At this stage the problem is more easily treatable and it helps in the treatment. The pelvic examination done during pap test helps in detecting the ovarian cancer, uterine cancer or other forms of cancer that are not detected in the smear test.
Who can do a pap smear
- Pap smear is to be done within 3 years of onset of sexual activity or at age 21 whichever is early
- When you start vaginal intercourse or age 21 whichever is early
Frequency of pap smear test
- Ideally this test is to be done yearly until age 30
- Every 3 years if the earlier 3 tests are normal
When to stop doing the test?
- When you reach 70 years and there is no abnormal test for 3 years consecutively
- Total hysterectomy for begin disease
Pap smear procedure
- Best time to do the Pap test is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of menstrual period
- Avoid douching or using spermicidal foams and creams or any other vaginal medicine as these may hide any abnormal cervical cells
- Smear can be done anywhere, at the clinic, or at a hospital
- It is to be done by the doctor, midwife or any trained person like a nurse
- The outer part of the vagina and rectum is examined
- Speculum is inserted in the vaginal area and internal examination of vagina and cervix is done
- A cotton swab may be used to clear the mucus and get a clear view
- Cervical brush is inserted and swirled to collect samples of cells from inside the cervix i.e. cervical smear (hence endocervical sample)
- Second sample is also collected and called as ectocervical sample
- Cells are collected from scraping of the area surrounding the cervix
- Samples are smeared on glass samples and a slide is made
- Laboratory evaluation is done
- Pelvic examination is done after samples are collected
- The results are available within 2-3 weeks
Pap smear results
- Name of patient and pathologist
- Date of last menstruating period
- Menstruating status
- Relevant medical history
- Description of the specimen
- Final diagnosis ( normal/ abnormal)
What does Pap smear test for?
- Presence or absence of cellular abnormality
- Absence of endocervical cells
- High grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
- Low grade squamous interepithelial lesions
This article on Pap smear tests informs you about the smear test to detect any abnormality in cells. It also informs you about What does Pap smear test for, pap smear procedure and other things related to cervical smear.
About the Author
Dr Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health.
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