Then your doctor will take samples of your cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat scraping device called a spatula. This usually doesn't hurt. Depending on the type of Pap testing you're undergoing, your doctor transfers the cell sample collected from your cervix into a container holding a special liquid to preserve the sample liquid-based Pap test or onto a glass slide conventional Pap smear.
The samples are transferred to a laboratory where they're examined under a microscope to look for characteristics in the cells that indicate cancer or a precancerous condition. If only normal cervical cells were discovered during your Pap smear, you're said to have a negative result.
You won't need any further treatment or testing until you're due for your next Pap smear and pelvic exam. If abnormal or unusual cells were discovered during your Pap smear, you're said to have a positive result. A positive result doesn't mean you have cervical cancer. What a positive result means depends on the type of cells discovered in your test. Squamous cells are thin and flat and grow on the surface of a healthy cervix. In the case of ASCUS, the Pap smear reveals slightly abnormal squamous cells, but the changes don't clearly suggest that precancerous cells are present.
With the liquid-based test, your doctor can reanalyze the sample to check for the presence of viruses known to promote the development of cancer, such as some types of human papillomavirus HPV.
If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren't of great concern. If worrisome viruses are present, you'll need further testing. Squamous intraepithelial lesion. This term is used to indicate that the cells collected from the Pap smear may be precancerous. If the changes are low grade, it means the size, shape and other characteristics of the cells suggest that if a precancerous lesion is present, it's likely to be years away from becoming a cancer.
If the changes are high grade, there's a greater chance that the lesion may develop into cancer much sooner. Additional diagnostic testing is necessary. Atypical glandular cells.
Glandular cells produce mucus and grow in the opening of your cervix and within your uterus. Atypical glandular cells may appear to be slightly abnormal, but it's unclear whether they're cancerous. Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells. This result means the cells collected for the Pap smear appear so abnormal that the pathologist is almost certain a cancer is present.
The ectocervix is home to squamous cells, which resemble fish scales under the microscope. Where these two cell types meet is where most cervical cancers and precancerous cells form.
A Pap smear is a screening tool that can help doctors detect abnormal cells and cancer. It works by sampling cells from the cervix. Cervical cancer screening is vital for getting an early diagnosis of cervical cancer. With an early diagnosis, effective treatment is usually possible. This information can help a doctor determine whether a person has cervical cancer, or if they have an increased risk of developing this disease.
Routine screening does not always automatically include both tests at the same time, but a person can ask for an HPV test at the same time as a Pap smear. According to the American Cancer Society ACS , deaths from cervical cancer decreased dramatically after the introduction of the Pap smear.
A doctor usually carries out a Pap smear during a gynecological pelvic exam. They insert a tool called a speculum into the vagina so that they can examine the cervix. Then, they take a sample of cervical cells using a brush or spatula and send them for testing. If possible, it is best to avoid having a Pap smear during a menstrual period, especially if the flow is heavy, as this can affect the results of the test.
However, if a person only has the chance to have the test during menstruation, it is still better to attend than not. A person should not douche or put anything in the vagina to clean it before the test. Doctors do not recommend douching at any time. The American Cancer Society recommend that people between the ages of 25 and 65 should have an HPV test every five years.
After the age of 65 years, most women will not need a Pap smear or HPV test. Those who have had abnormal test results in the past and those who are sexually active with more than one partner may need more frequent testing.
After a total hysterectomy , which is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix, a Pap smear will no longer be necessary. Anyone who has a hysterectomy because they had cancerous or precancerous cells should continue to have regular tests.
Everyone has different needs, so it is important that people speak to their doctor about their risk factors for developing cervical cancer and their need for screening. The test results usually take 1—3 weeks to come back. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus.
During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and examined for abnormal growth. Keep reading to learn more about who needs a Pap smear, what to expect during the procedure, how frequently you should have a Pap smear test, and more. The American Cancer Society recommend that screening should start at age Some women may be at increased risk for cancer or infection. You may need more frequent tests if:.
Current guidelines recommend that people between the ages of 25 and 65 should have an HPV test every five years. HPV is a virus that causes warts and increases the chance of cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are the primary causes of cervical cancer. If you have HPV, you may be at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Women over the age of 65 with a history of normal Pap smear results may be able to stop having the test in the future.
You should still get regular Pap smears based on your age, regardless of your sexual activity status. These recommendations only apply to women who have a cervix. Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix and no history of cervical cancer do not need screening.
Recommendations vary and should be individualized for women with compromised immune systems or a history of precancerous, or cancerous lesions. You can schedule a Pap smear with your annual gynecological examination or request a separate appointment with your gynecologist. Pap smears are covered by most insurance plans, though you may be required to pay a co-pay. Try to avoid having sexual intercourse, douching, or using spermicidal products the day before your test because these may interfere with your results.
You may feel pulling or pressure during the collection of the cells, but it typically does not hurt. Your health care provider will smear the cells onto a glass microscope slide or put the cells into a container with liquid that preserves the sample. He or she will then send the sample to a pathologist for evaluation. You can resume your normal activities right after having a Pap test. You may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding after your Pap test. But tell your health care provider if you experience excessive bleeding.
If the Pap test shows abnormal cells and an HPV test is positive, your health care provider may suggest one or more additional tests.
The Pap test is an excellent screening tool, but it is not perfect. Sometimes the results are normal even when abnormal cervical cells are present. This is called a "false negative" test result. Regular screening is important. Talk with your health care provider about how often you should have a Pap test.
Research shows that almost all cervical changes can be found with regular screening and treated before they become cancerous. Pap Test Approved by the Cancer. Who performs my Pap test? How should I prepare for a Pap test? Also, to avoid washing away abnormal cells, do not use the following for 2 to 3 days before the test: Tampons Birth control foams Vaginal medicines Douches Vaginal creams or powders The best time to schedule your Pap test is at least 5 days after the end of your menstrual period.
During the Pap test Your health care provider will perform the Pap test during a pelvic exam in a private room in his or her office. These may include: Are you pregnant? Do you use birth control? What medications have you taken recently?
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