What Is The Use Of PAP Smears
A Pap
smear or a Pap test is a test that is used to
examine any changes in the cells collected from
the cervix, which can cause cancer in women. The
cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus or
womb. Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of
cells in this area of the body. The main aim of
this test is to detect precancerous cell growth
and cure it.
All women who are or who have been sexually active,
or who have reached the age of 18, should have
a Pap smear done regularly. It is a woman’s
best tool to detect pre-cancerous conditions and
hidden tiny tumors. If detected early, cervical
cancer can be treated and cured completely. Doctors
and other specifically trained health care professionals,
such as physician assistants, nurses and midwives,
can perform a Pap test.
This test is simple, swift, and painless. As
a woman is lying down the doctor inserts a speculum
into her vagina to widen it, and takes a sample
of cells from the cervix with a small cervical
brush. This smear of cells is then placed on a
glass slide and preserved, to be sent to the laboratory
for testing.
General Guidelines to Taking a Pap Smears
At the moment general guidelines recommend women
to have a Pap smear once every 3 years, beginning
roughly 3 years after a woman becomes sexually
active, but no later than age 21. Experts used
to recommend a Pap test every year, but now it
has been revised to 3 years after the start of
sexual activity to avoid over-treatment of common
temporary vaginal changes. It is safe to wait
3 years to this test as this form of cancer, as
it is known to develop very slowly. Cervical cancer
is extremely rare in women under the age of 25.
Women aged 65 and over who have had at least
three normal Pap tests with no abnormalities in
the last 10 years can decide, after talking with
their doctor to stop having Pap smears. Women
who have had a hysterectomy also do not need a
Pap test, unless the surgery was done to treat
cancer.
A Pap smear needs to be done when a woman is
not menstruating. The best time is 10 to 20 days
after the last menstrual period. Two days before
a Pap smear, women should avoid douching or using
vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, as these
may wash away or hide abnormal cell growth. Human
papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary
risk factor for cervical cancer, and can be detected
by a Pap test.
Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer
Most precancerous conditions of the cervix seldom
cause any symptoms. A Pap smear is the best way
to detect if there is a problem. If a woman does
have cervical cancer, symptoms include;
- Abnormal bleeding - Bleeding may start and
stop between regular menstrual periods, or may
occur after sexual intercourse or douching.
&
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pain is not an early warning sign of cervical
cancer. Keep in mind that these symptoms are not
sure signs of cancer; but if they persist longer
than 2 weeks contact your doctor. |
