Pap Smear : Definition, Process, Prevention And Warning (article)
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| Pap smear showing clamydia in the vacuoles |
What is a Pap smear ?
A Pap smear is a test that is conducted with the aim to look for changes in cervical cells that may indicate the presence of cancer of the cervix or cervical cancer. During a Pap test, a small sample of cells on the surface of the cervix are collected by your doctor. The sample is then spread on slides (Pap smear) or mixed in a liquid fixative (liquid-based cytology) and sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. The cells are examined for abnormalities that may indicate changes abnormal cells, such as dysplasia or cervical cancer.
When do I have to undergo a Pap smear ?
A Pap smear is used for early detection of cervical cancer. A Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic examination. The whole woman it is recommended to do a Pap test at age 21. A pap test is done to detect the presence of early cervical cancer. Women aged 21-29 years of advisable to do a pap test every 3 years without any Human tests of human papillomavirus (HPV)
Women aged 30-65 years of advisable to do a pap test combined with the HPV test every 5 years. When the HPV test is not done, simply doing a pap test every 3 years. Discuss with your doctor about the pap test schedule that is appropriate for your condition.
If the patient has certain risk factors, the doctor will recommend a Pap smear regardless of how old the patient is. These risks are :
- Diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that shows the precancerous cells
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth
- HIV infection
- The weakening of the immune system due to organ transplantation, chemotherapy, or chronic corticosteroid use
You and your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of Pap smears and decide what is best for you based on your risk factors.
Prevention & Warning
What should I know before undergoing a Pap smear ?
The results of a normal Pap smear tests are not entirely rule out the presence of abnormal cells (dysplasia) or cervical cancer. The test might fail to find the presence of abnormal cells (false negative). Underwent 3 consecutive normal Pap tests reduces the possibility of false negative results. Or the test may indicate the absence of abnormal cells (false positive). However, the Pap test has a pretty good accuracy for the purposes of early detection. Talk with your doctor about the sense of Your Pap test results.
Some women with abnormal Pap tests or women older than age 30 can be tested for human Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts. Some types of high risk HPV can cause cervical cancer. The HPV test may be done at the same time with a Pap test. The HPV test results can help doctors decide if needed further tests or treatment.
Pap smears alone can not be used to diagnose dysplasia or cervical cancer. Other tests are required, such as a colposcopy.
A Pap test is not used to detect sexually transmitted infections or cancers other than cervical cancer. If suspected of sexual infections, other special tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Its own examination of the vagina (VSE) can help you better understand your body, know what is normal for you, and find the symptoms of early infection or other abnormal condition which may mean you have to go to the doctor. VSE must be used in conjunction with (but not replace) routine pelvic examination and Pap test performed by a doctor.
Process
What should I do before undergoing a Pap smear ?
To ensure that Your Pap smear is the most effective, follow these tips before your tests :
avoid sexual intercourse, douching (using vaginal cleansing) or vaginal spermicides or using drugs for two days before undergoing a Pap smear, as these can be washed or obscure the abnormal cells
try not to schedule a Pap smear during Your menstrual period. Although the test can be done, it is best to avoid him while you're menstruating
How to process a Pap smear ?
A Pap test is a simple and rapid procedure performed by a doctor, Nurse Pap test, or gynaecologist. During testing, the doctor or nurse gently inserting a tool called a Speculum into the vagina, so that they can clearly see the cervix. They then enter a little whisk or spatula to collect cells from the cervix. They're smearing the cells onto glass slides and send them to a laboratory to be analyzed. Results are usually available within a week.
What should I do after undergoing a Pap smear ?
A Pap Smear can be uncomfortable, but not always a pain. If you feel pain, immediately notify doctor, nurse or obstetrician. Sometimes, the laboratory will report that the sample is not satisfactory and another Pap test needs to be taken. This does not mean your original Pap test shows abnormalities. The collected cells are probably too little, or the cells may have been masked by blood or mucus.
Clarification of test results
What is the meaning of test results that I can ?
Results are usually available within 1 to 2 weeks. Ask your doctor when you can quickly find out the results.
- Normal
The samples contain enough cells and not found abnormal cells, - Abnormal
The sample does not contain enough cells, or abnormal cells are found. Most often there is a small problem with the cervix. If the Pap test results are unclear or showed a small change in the cells of the cervix, your doctor may soon repeat the Pap test, in 6 months, or a year, or he can run the tests again.
Some abnormal cells can turn into cancer. Treating abnormal cells that do not go away by itself can prevent almost all cases of cervical cancer. If you have abnormal results, talk with your doctor about what they mean. Your doctor should answer any questions you may have and explain anything you don't understand. Treatment for abnormal cells often performed in the doctor's Office for routine visits.
If found more serious changes in the cells of the cervix, the doctor will suggest a retest. The results of these tests will help the doctor determine the best treatment.
A Pap test is not always perfect. Errors and false positive negative results can happen. This can be annoying and confusing.
False positive
A Pap test is a false positive occurs when a woman is said to have the cervical cells are abnormal, but that question is cells that are not really normal, and not cancer cells. If your doctor says Your Pap results are false positives, this means that there is no problem.
False negative
False negative Pap test is when a woman is said to have normal cells, but there are actually problems with the cervical cells are missed. A false negative result delay the discovery and treatment of healthy cells from the cervix. But do Pap smears regularly increase your chances of finding the problem. Cervical cancer usually takes years to develop. If this abnormal cells missed at one time, they may be found on your next Pap test.
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