PAP SMEAR CERVICAL SCREENING TEST : why to get it ?
Pap smear test … a woman is asked to get it done once she goes for routine medical checkup .It could be the first time or a part of a followup visit . Many questions arise in mind what is it?where ,when and how its done ? By Whom ? why its important ? Why and when its repeated?this blog will not only answer these questions but will guide you about it.
Pap smear is a very simple non invasive screening test for cervical cancer.Cervix is the lower most part of uterus.This testcan pick change in shape ,size and appearence ofcervical cells ,at a very early precancerous stage.Cervical cancer is second common cancer under 50 years,and is ranked Third after breast and oral cavity cancer in all age groups. WHO claims increase in its incidence for last few decades 500,000 women per year are diagnosed throughout the world,out of whichnearly half ie 273,000 women die in a year .Most of women never went for a pap smear ,this preventable cancer could be picked at a very early stage.
Pap Smear/ Importance of Test. It is extremely sensitive screening test for cervical diseases and can save millions of lives .
Who should get Pap Smear Test done?
This is a simple ,non invasive test done in a routine gynaecologic examination clinic.All sexually active females should get it done in a year and if it is normal then 5 yearly.Similarly women with genital warts ,history of repeated pelvic infections,family history of cancers of breast , uterus or ovaries should report to their doctor for testing.Post menopausal or post uterus removal surgergy patients should come for screening, in such cases samples are taken from vaginal walls .
When to get?
It should be done before or after periods,presence of blood cellmay interfere in interpretting and studying the cells .You shouldMake sure to take appointment before coming.
Who does it?
A qualified doctor or trained nurse can do it safely in an out parient clinic
How it is done?
- Whenever someone comes for pap smear testing ,complete evaluation is done by asking history followed by examination .Then patient isasked to lie down on an examination couch.Patient is , covered with a sheet , with exposure of genital area.
Vaginal speculum is inserted and cervix is visualized. A smooth plastic or wooden spatula is gently wiped on the surface of cervix and then these cells are taken on a glass slide, which is sent to laboratory for testing.
How Long It Takes
It takes few minutes for whole procedure of examination and sample collection.
Does it Hurt
It is not painful,one can have some discomfort and feeling of touch .You should have deep breathing to overcome anxiety and pain.It really helps .
When Result Comes?
In 3 to 5 days the report of test is given.
What is the Result?
- The Normal Result shows normal cells of cervix.Sometimes there is infection along with normal cells .In both cases there are no abnormal cells.
- It is alarming when report Shows abnormal cells which could be pre-cancerous or cancerous . The result also tells the extent of disease this helps in making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What if test is abnormal?
- If there is infection in result then treatment is givenaccordingly and test is repeated after six weeks .
- If abnormal cells are found then a test named Colposcopy (observing cervixwith a special camera) is done to find out abnormal areas and treat it locally with lasers.
When to repeat test?
- In reproductive it should be done every 5 years if test is normal
- If two pap smears are infective then one shouldget colposcopy
- Post hysterectomy or post menopausal should be getting it according to the doctor advice .