What is a Pap smear or Pap test? (What is Pap smear test) :
An abnormal Pap Test is done to check for early signs of cancer in the cervix. The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system where the uterus meets the vagina. Apart from checking for cervical cancer, healthcare professionals also recommend the Pap smear test for detecting HPV infection. Timely completion of the Pap smear test can lead to the early detection of cervical cancer.It detects cells in the uterus that are cancerous or that are likely to become cancerous in the future.
How is a Pap smear test done?
To perform a Pap test, the doctor or technician inserts an instrument called a speculum into the patient’s vagina, which keeps the vaginal walls apart. This allows the doctor to see the cervix very easily. Once the cervix becomes visible, doctors use an instrument to collect cells from it. Afterward, medical professionals examine these cells for abnormalities using a microscope. If cancerous cells are detected, doctors initiate further treatment accordingly.
Is it painful to get a Pap smear test?
The removal of cells from the cervix by the doctor may cause slight discomfort, but undergoing this test is painless. You can easily undergo a Pap smear test by visiting any nearby clinic for the procedure.
How helpful is the Pap smear test in identifying cancer?
With the help of Pap smear test, early symptoms of cancer in the cervix are detected. The cervix is the part of the female reproductive organ where the uterus meets the vagina. In addition to cervical cancer, doctors may also suggest a Pap smear test to check for HPV infection. With the help of this test, doctors detect those cells present in the uterus which are suffering from cancer or which are likely to develop cancer in future. Pap smear test can also detect other forms of cancer such as ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, and uterine cancer etc.
Timely and proper treatment of cervical cancer can save a woman’s life, as the Pap smear test helps detect the disease early.
When should women get a Pap test?
Generally, every woman should undergo a Pap test after reaching the age of 21 years. Many women mistakenly believe that only those who are sexually active need to undergo this test. Contrary to this belief, sexual activity is not a prerequisite for the test. Instead, every woman above 21 years of age should undergo the Pap test at regular intervals.
Does this test require any preparation?
No, you do not have to do any special preparation for this test. You just follow the doctor’s instructions. If experiencing menstruation or excessive bleeding, avoid scheduling the test on that day; instead, schedule it for some other day, preferably after 4-5 days.
How often should a woman get this test?
Pap smear results depend on the woman’s age. Generally, women aged between 21 and 65 years should undergo this test once every 3 years.
Which women should not have a Pap test?
Women over the age of 65 who meet the following conditions should not get a Pap test.
Do I need to have this test if I have had a hysterectomy?
Ask your doctor about this because in most cases, women who have previously had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) have no reports of cervical cancer, so they do not need a Pap test.
Should I have a Pap smear test if I have had the HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccines reduce the risk of HPV infection and HPV-related cervical cancer. However, this vaccine does not completely protect against cancer. Therefore, even after getting the HPV vaccine, you may need to get a Pap test.
Does an abnormal Pap test confirm cancer?
No, finding abnormal cells in a Pap test is normal and does not always definitively confirm cancer. If the test reveals abnormal cells, your doctor may recommend repeating the test for better monitoring.
The Pap smear test plays a crucial role in detecting cervical cancer, and timely identification of the cancer enables effective mitigation.Therefore, do not be careless about this; instead, ensure regular check-ups to maintain good health.