What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear, also known as Pap test, is a test of a sample of cells taken from a woman's cervix. The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.
Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in uncertain the possible development of cervical cancer.
Pap screen testing should begin at age 21. Routine screening is recommended every two years for women 21-29 years old. For certain women 30 years and older who have had three consecutive normal screening test results, testing can be done every three years.
How is Pap Smear done?
A woman should have a Pap smear when she is not menstruating. The best time for screening is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of her menstrual period. For about two days before testing, a woman should avoid douching or using spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies or vaginal medicines (except as directed by a physician). These agents may wash away or hide any abnormal cervical cells.
A Pap smear is performed in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic by a
* doctor
* physician assistant
* nurse midwife
* nurse practitioner
or other specially trained healthcare provider. Each of these professionals is also qualified to perform a pelvic examination, which can help detect cancer in female reproductive organs other than the cervix.
During a pelvic examination, the woman takes off her clothes, puts on a short paper or cotton gown that opens in the front, and lies on her back on an examining table. She positions herself for the Pap smear by bending her knees, aligning the tops of her thighs with the edge of the table, and placing her feet in stirrups or supports.
The healthcare provider performing the examination:
After removing the speculum, the healthcare provider gently inserts two gloved fingers into the woman's vagina and places his or her other hand on her abdomen. This enables the examiner to determine the size, shape, and consistency of the woman's uterus, ovaries, vagina, and fallopian tubes. After completing this part of the examination, the examiner inserts a gloved finger into the woman's rectum to detect abnormalities of the rectum and nearby structures.
A woman may feel some mild discomfort, cramping, or pressure during a Pap smear or pelvic exam. These procedures should not be painful.
Source:
* women webmd
* mayo clinic
* e health md
* medicine net
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| Pap smear to check abnormality in cervix |
Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in uncertain the possible development of cervical cancer.
Pap screen testing should begin at age 21. Routine screening is recommended every two years for women 21-29 years old. For certain women 30 years and older who have had three consecutive normal screening test results, testing can be done every three years.
How is Pap Smear done?
A woman should have a Pap smear when she is not menstruating. The best time for screening is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of her menstrual period. For about two days before testing, a woman should avoid douching or using spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies or vaginal medicines (except as directed by a physician). These agents may wash away or hide any abnormal cervical cells.
A Pap smear is performed in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic by a
* doctor
* physician assistant
* nurse midwife
* nurse practitioner
or other specially trained healthcare provider. Each of these professionals is also qualified to perform a pelvic examination, which can help detect cancer in female reproductive organs other than the cervix.
 |
| do pap smear regularly to prevent cancer cervix |
The healthcare provider performing the examination:
- looks for lumps, sores, inflammation, or other abnormalities of her external genitals
- inserts a metal or plastic instrument called a speculum into the vagina.
- uses a small disposable swab, wooden spatula, brush, or soft-bristled "broom" to remove cells from the entrance to the canal that connects the cervix with the uterus.
- may also remove cells from the back of the cervical canal.
- places the cell sample on a glass slide, which is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.
After removing the speculum, the healthcare provider gently inserts two gloved fingers into the woman's vagina and places his or her other hand on her abdomen. This enables the examiner to determine the size, shape, and consistency of the woman's uterus, ovaries, vagina, and fallopian tubes. After completing this part of the examination, the examiner inserts a gloved finger into the woman's rectum to detect abnormalities of the rectum and nearby structures.
A woman may feel some mild discomfort, cramping, or pressure during a Pap smear or pelvic exam. These procedures should not be painful.
Source:
* women webmd
* mayo clinic
* e health md
* medicine net
