Pap Smear To Detect Cervical Cancer!

Are you in fear of having cervical cancer? Then consider Pap smear to confirm it.

Pap smear, also called as Pap test is an invasive procedure to test for the presence of cervical cancer.

This procedure involves collecting cells from your cervix at the lower and narrow end of the uterus.

Early detection of cervical cancer with Pap smear gives you greater chance for cure. Cell changes in your cervix can also be detected with Pap smear because cell changes indicate a sign of cervical cancer in the future.

Usually, Pap smear is done in conjunction with pelvic examination. During pelvic examination, your doctor tests your external genitals, uterus, vagina, rectum and ovaries.

Who should receive Pap smear?

Every woman must get Pap smear regularly throughout her lifetime. You should have your first time pap smear by the period you turn 18.

Sexually active women before the age of 18 years should consider the test even earlier. You should get the test every year or for every six years if the results are positive for abnormal cells.
Even after entering into the menopausal stage, you should consider Pap test. Certain women should be very careful in scheduling Pap smear.

Women with HIV are at greater risk of growing cervical cancer and various other cervical irregularities. Women who undergone hysterectomy should also consider Pap smear every year.

What Pap smear procedure consists of?

This is a quick and simple practice that takes few minutes. During the procedure:

• You need to lie down on an examination table keeping your feet in the stirrups or resting closer to your bottom.


• Knees will be bent outwards in order to expose your vagina.


• The surgeon inserts a speculum in the vagina. This instrument helps to keep your vaginal passage open for some time.


• Surgeon cleans your cervix by using a cotton swab.


• With the help of small brush or another cotton swab, surgeon collects some cells from the cervix for further testing.


• During the test, you won’t experience any pain, but you feel some stress on your lower abdomen. Relaxation and deep breathing helps you very much.
  

How to prepare for the Pap test?

• To get effective results, follow these tips before undergoing the procedure.


• Avoid intercourse, douching and usage of vaginal medicines, creams, spermicidal foams, or jellies for at least two days before undergoing the procedure.


• Don’t schedule Pap test during your menstrual period.
  

What is the outcome of Pap smear?

It takes one to two weeks to get the results of Pap test. If the test comes negative, it indicates that there are not any abnormal cells. If the test comes positive, it indicates the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix. Causes of an abnormal pap smear include:

• Cancer


• Infection


• Inflammation
  

Abnormal Pap smear indicates that you should undergo cervical examination once again. At this time, colposcope, a microscope like device is used to magnify the cervix. Then your doctor can determine whether there is an infection or a need of tissue sample to confirm the presence of cancer cells.