A pap smear test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It is performed by collecting cells from the cervix for testing in a pathology lab. Named after Dr.George Papanicolaou who first developed the test, it helps detect early signs of cervical cancer. As with all types of cancer, it is much easier to successfully treat the cancer if it is discovered early. During the procedure, a doctor uses a speculum to open the vagina and swabs the cervix with a small brush or spatula to collect cells for testing. The procedure can cause discomfort but thankfully it is generally quick and painless. Pap smears are recommended every 3 years for women above the age of 21. Co-testing with HPV is advisable after the age of 30. Regular testing is crucial for early detection of cervical cancer and precancerous cells that could turn into cancer if left untreated. Schedule a pap smear with your gynaecologist today if you are above the age of 21 and have never had one.
A pap smear is a clinical procedure that is performed to collect cells from the cervix. These cells will be tested for cervical cancer. The pap smear is named after the American doctor, Dr.George Papanicolauo, who first developed this method of testing. Medical professionals sometimes also refer to it as a pap test or a cervical cytology. The pap smear essentially is a screening test for cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens up into the vaginal canal. The pap smear helps identify cervical cancer in the early stages before symptoms begin, when it’s easier to cure. The pap smear can also help identify the presence of cells which could become cancerous, i.e. precancerous cells, in the cervix. Pap smears are considered the gold standard in cervical cancer preventative care for this reason. If precancerous cells are found, the patient can be treated to ensure the cells don’t turn cancerous in the future.
The pap smear is a quick procedure that only takes about 10 to 20 minutes in total. It is usually performed in the doctor’s clinic, and involves no anaesthesia. You will be asked to put on a hospital gown and lie on the examination table with your feet placed firmly in the stirrups provided. You will need to spread your legs. Then, the doctor will insert a metal or plastic tool called a speculum into your vagina. You may feel some pressure and discomfort at this point. This is normal. The speculum holds your vagina open so that the doctor can look in and see your cervix. Using a small brush or spatula, the doctor will then gently swab the cervix to collect a sample for testing. The collected sample is placed in a sterile test tube and the speculum is removed. The sample is sent to a pathology lab for testing.
The pap smear doesn’t hurt but it can be uncomfortable. It may feel a little invasive, but if you know what to expect, it will be over really quickly. You may experience light bleeding after, but shouldn’t be in any pain. If you have vaginal bleeding for more than 24 hours after the pap smear, please inform your doctor.
It is recommended that pap smears be performed regularly to assess a person’s risk of cervical cancer. If you are above the age of 21 and have a cervix, it is recommended that you get a pap smear every 3 years. In the past, annual pap smears were recommended, but now we know more about the rate of development of cervical cancer. Even if you are not sexually active, it is recommended to take the pap smear test. From the age of 30 it is recommended to get tested for HPV (human papilloma virus) at the same time as your pap smear. This is called co-testing. Some strains of HPV are associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer, so this is also something to watch out for. If your pap smear and HPV test come back negative, it may be sufficient to only get tested every 5 years. You can discuss this with your gynecologic oncologist. If you have had a total hysterectomy, in which case your cervix is removed, you do not need to get pap tests anymore. Women above the age of 65 may no longer need pap smears. You can discuss this with your gynaecologist for more personalized advice.
If you have an HIV infection, a weakened immune system, precancerous cells in your cervix or another form of cancer, your doctor may recommend that you get pap smears more frequently. Listen to your doctor’s advice about this and don’t miss your pap tests. If you are above the age of 21 and have never had a pap smear, call your gynaecologist and schedule one as soon as possible!
To ensure more accurate results, here are some steps you can take to prepare for the pap smear:
– No sexual intercourse for 48 hours before the pap smear.
– Do not use tampons, vaginal creams or medicines, lubricants or vaginal douches for 48 hours before your pap smear.
– Ensure you are not on your period. It is advisable to schedule the pap smear a few days after the ending of your menstrual flow.
The pap smear results are usually sent to you anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks after taking the test, depending on the laboratory processing the sample. Your doctor will inform you about how long the results will take while taking the test. The results of the pap smear could be one of the following:
Negative Result – This is great news. This means that the sample of cells taken from your cervix did not contain any cancerous cells. Since nothing unusual was found, you do not need any treatment. You can retake the pap smear in 3 to 5 years, as recommended by your doctor.
Unclear Result – This means that the lab was unsure of whether there is an abnormality or not. There may have been some other substances in the cervix during swabbing which contaminated the sample. In such cases, you may be asked to retake the pap test. If this happens, make sure you prepare for the test as mentioned above, to avoid another unclear result.
Positive Result – A positive result indicates that concerning cells were found in your pap smear. This could be either cancerous cells or pre-cancerous cells. The lab may classify the concerning cells as low grade or high grade. If you get a positive result, you need to schedule a follow-up consultation with your gynecologist to discuss the next course of action. The doctor may have to perform a colposcopy to confirm the diagnosis.
Secure your health with timely Pap smear tests. At Kauvery Hospital, our team of dedicated gynaecologists are committed to providing effective early detection and treatment for cervical cancer. Visit our branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy for optimal women health services designed with care and precision. Take the right step towards a healthier future, book your Pap smear test today.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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