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Medical Video: Pap and HPV Testing | Nucleus Health
Definition
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a test performed to look for changes in cervical cells that can indicate cervical cancer or cervical cancer. During the Pap test, a small sample of cells on the surface of the cervix is collected by your doctor. The sample is then spread on a slide (Pap smear) or mixed in a liquid fixative (liquid-based cytology) and sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. Cells are examined for abnormalities that may indicate changes in abnormal cells, such as dysplasia or cervical cancer.
When should I have a Pap smear?
Pap smears are used for early detection of cervical cancer. Pap smears are usually carried out together with a pelvic examination. All women are recommended to take a Pap test at the age of 21 years. This pap test is performed to detect early cervical cancer. Women aged 21-29 years are recommended to take pap tests every 3 years without a test Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Women aged 30-65 years are recommended to take a pap test which is combined with an HPV test every 5 years. If an HPV test is not done, just do a pap test every 3 years. Discuss with your doctor about the pap test schedule that is appropriate for your condition.
If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may recommend Pap smears more often, regardless of your age. These risk factors include:
- diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that shows precancerous cells
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
- HIV infection
- 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 a Pap smear and decide what is best for you based on your risk factors.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing a Pap smear?
Normal Pap smear results do not completely rule out the presence of abnormal cells (dysplasia) or cervical cancer. The test may fail to find the presence of abnormal cells (false negatives). Having 3 consecutive normal Pap tests reduces the likelihood of false negative results. Or tests can show the absence of abnormal cells (false positives). However, the Pap test has a fairly good accuracy for the purposes of early detection. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your Pap test results.
Some women with abnormal Pap tests or women older than age 30 can be tested for human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts. Some types of high risk of HPV can cause cervical cancer. An HPV test may be done at the same time as the Pap test. The results of an HPV test can help the doctor decide whether further tests or certain treatments are needed.
Pap smears cannot be used to diagnose cervical dysplasia or cancer. Other tests are needed, such as colposcopy.
The Pap test is not used to detect sexually transmitted infections or cancer other than cervical cancer. If a sexual infection is suspected, other special tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Self-examination of the vagina (VSE) can help you better understand your body, know what is normal for you, and find the initial symptoms of infection or other abnormal conditions that might mean you should go to the doctor. VSE must be used in conjunction with (but not replace) routine pelvic examinations and Pap tests performed by doctors.
Process
What should I do before undergoing a Pap smear?
To ensure that your Pap smear is the most effective, follow the tips before your test:
- avoid sexual intercourse, douching (using vaginal cleansing) or using vaginal drugs or spermicide for two days before undergoing a Pap smear, because this can wash or obscure abnormal cells
- try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. Even if the test can be done, it is best to avoid it when you are menstruating
What is the Pap smear process?
A Pap test is a simple and fast procedure performed by a doctor, a Pap test nurse, or a gynecologist. During testing, the doctor or nurse gently inserts a device called a speculum into the vagina, so that they can clearly see the cervix. They then insert a small spatula or small brush to collect cells from the cervix. They smear these cells into glass slides and send them to the laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available within a week.
What should I do after undergoing a Pap smear?
Pap smears can become uncomfortable, but they don't always hurt. If you feel sick, tell your doctor, nurse or obstetrician immediately. Occasionally, the laboratory will report that the sample is unsatisfactory and another Pap test needs to be taken. This does not mean your original Pap test shows abnormalities. Maybe cells are collected too little, or cells may have been hidden by blood or mucus.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Results are usually available in 1 to 2 weeks. Ask your doctor when you can immediately know the results.
Normal
The sample contains enough cells and no abnormal cells are found,
Abnormal
Samples do 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 show minor changes in cervical cells, your doctor can immediately repeat the Pap test, within 6 months, or one year, or he can run the test again.
Some abnormal cells can turn into cancer. Treating abnormal cells that do not go away on their own can prevent almost all cases of cervical cancer. If you have abnormal results, talk to your doctor about what they mean. Your doctor must answer every question you have and explain what you don't understand. Treatment for abnormal cells is often done in the doctor's office during regular visits.
If more serious changes are found in cervical cells, the doctor will recommend a retest. The results of this test will help the doctor determine the best treatment.
Pap tests are not always perfect. Errors of negative positive and false results can occur. This can be distracting and confusing.
Fake positives
A false positive Pap test occurs when a woman is said to have abnormal cervical cells, but what is meant is cells that are not completely normal, and not cancer cells. If your doctor says your Pap results are false positives, this means there are no problems.
Fake negative
A false negative Pap test is when a woman is said to have normal cells, but there is actually a problem with missed cervical cells. False negative results delay the discovery and treatment of healthy cells from the cervix. But regular Pap Smears increase your chances of finding a problem. Cervical cancer usually takes years to develop. If these abnormal cells are missed at one time, they may be found on your next Pap test.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
