Cervical cancer ranks amongst the top cancers affecting many women in the world and a lot of research has been ongoing, to prevent and treat cervical cancer. Though cervical cancer can affect women of any age but the incidence is higher post the 4th decade of life. A lot of investigative procedures are developed to help in early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, to reduce the cancer related mortality. PAP Smear or Papanicolaou Smear or Test is a diagnostic test to check and identify the cells of the cervix for any atypical changes.
When is a pap smear or pap test advised ?
A PAP Smear/ Test is performed by a gynecologist in an examination room in a healthcare facility or the doctor’s office. PAP Smear/ Test is advised in women above 21 years of age and they should get screened for cervical cancer at-least once in 3 years. If you are older than 30 years you can get the test done once in 5 years along with a test for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) detection. HPV testing advised as HPV infection can be associated with the incidence of Cervical Cancer. If your gynecologist feels that you could be at an increased risk of Cervical Cancer, he/she might advise the test at frequent intervals. It is always suggested that one should ask the risks, benefits and outcomes of any test before going ahead with the same.
How do you prepare for a pap test ?
If your gynecologist has suggested, you to undergo a PAP Smear/ Test or you are going in as a routine checkup it is important to understand and follow the don’ts before the test. You should ideally get PAP Smear/ Test done after the 5th day of your menstrual cycle. Before the test you should strictly avoid use of Tampons, vaginal cremes and lotions, vaginal powders or any birth control gels or foams as they may interfere with the accuracy of the test. It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant as PAP Smear/ Test is not performed during pregnancy.
How is a pap test performed ?
The PAP Smear/ Test is performed in the doctor’s office. The doctor will ask you to change into a hospital gown and will be asked to lie down on an examination table with your legs lifted up with support for better visualization. The doctor will do your pelvic examination and will ask you few relevant questions about your health and related to the test. Once your doctor examines your cervix clinically and manually, a cervical brush or aa special instrument called the Speculum is used to get a few cells from the walls of the cervix (the endocervix and the ectocervix). These cells are then stored in a special container with a preserving liquid before it is sent to the laboratory for further evaluation. You will be allowed to go home after the test. You might experience slight bleeding after the test but if the bleeding continues you should consult with your treating doctor.
How accurate is pap test ?
PAP Smear/ Test is used as a screening tool for Cervical Cancer and hence there could be a possibility of a false negative result. It is important to talk to your consultant and understand the test results in detail of PAP Smear/ Test. If abnormal cells are interpreted in a PAP Smear/ Test your doctor might ask you to go for special screening tests like Colposcopy.
What are the risks and complications of pap test ?
PAP Smear/ Test is a screening tool hence the risks and complications are rare but one can experience discomfort after the test or have some discharge or bleeding after the test. If the symptoms continue it is advised that one should seek medical help.
How to find and reach cancer specialists for cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment ?
You can find and reach cancer specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer from different cancer hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple cancer specialists, cost estimates for the treatment of cervical cancer from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cancer specialist or a cancer hospital for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Find, reach and choose a cancer specialist or a hospital for the treatment of cervical cancer on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
