Pap Smear
Posted on Sunday, May 01 @ 18:05:49 EDT by vetta |
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The Pap smear is a simple procedure that is used primarily to detect precancerous cells being shed from the cervix. It is also helpful in the detection of abnormal cells from other causes.
The Pap smear is a simple procedure that is used primarily to detect
precancerous cells being shed from the cervix. It is also helpful in the
detection of abnormal cells from other causes.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that
the first cervical cancer screening of a woman using a Pap Smear should be about
three years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first.
For all women under 30, annual pap smears are necessary. For women over 30,
there are three options:
- Women who have had three negative results on annual Pap tests can be
rescreened with cytology alone every two to three years.
- Annual cervical cytology testing.
- Cytology with the addition of an HPV-DNA test. If both the cervical
cytology and the DNA test are negative, rescreening should occur no sooner
than three years.
Please note that these recommendations are different than those for an annual
pelvic examination. ACOG recommends that all women age 18 or older need annual
gynecologic examinations, including a pelvic examination, as do sexually active
adolescents younger than age 18. The well-woman visit is a key part of
preventive care; it includes a discussion of the patient's health history and
reproductive health care needs, a physical examination, including a weight and
blood pressure check, a clinical breast examination, and various tests depending
on a woman's age and risk factors for disease.
THE PAP SMEAR
EXAMINATION
Having a Pap smear is a relatively simple procedure. The
cervix is visually examined by your physician, using an instrument called a
speculum. The surface of the cervix is gently skimmed with a spatula and a tiny
brush. The cells are then either smeared on a glass slide or rinsed into a vial
of liquid and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
It is important not to use douches, vaginal creams or medication, or have
vaginal penetration with a penis, finger, or dildo within 48 hours prior to your
pelvic exam. These can distort the appearance of the cells to be studied in the
pap.
TEST RESULTS
Most Pap smears are normal. This means that all the cells
appear healthy.
An abnormal Pap smear means that the cells appear different, but are not
necessarily harmful. An abnormal Pap may result from infection by bacteria,
viruses, or from unknown causes. Sometimes abnormal Pap smears are associated
with STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
If your Pap smear was not normal, it could indicate a premalignant condition.
Further investigation would be needed to determine the appropriate course of
action. This could require a repeat pap smear or the use of a colposcope.
A colposcope is merely a binocular microscope designed to assist in locating
abnormal cells on the cervix.
If an abnormal area is discovered, a pinch of tissue must be taken and examined.
This is called a "pinch biopsy." The result of the pinch biopsy will help your
clinician determine whether treatment is necessary.
TREATING ABNORMAL
PAP SMEARS
The usual treatment for an abnormal Pap smear is called "cryotherapy,"
which simply means to freeze.
The area from which the unhealthy cells were found is frozen. The frozen tissue
is sloughed off by the body and new, healthy tissue will then grow in its place.
During this process, a heavy, watery discharge may occur for approximately two
weeks.
Your clinician will probably recommend increasing your intake of water and
potassium-rich foods during this time. Have a follow-up pap smear 4-6 months
after cryotherapy.
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