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Pap Smear

Also known as "Gynaecologic Exam" and "Cervical Cancer Screening"

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from MedSquirrel Staff, authored by Dr Leigh Martins. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

 

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening, commonly known as a ‘Pap smear’, is a test to look for abnormal cells on the cervix. The aim of any screening test is to determine the likelihood of developing a disease, before any symptoms are noticed. Cervical screening helps to prevent cervical cancer by allowing doctors to find and treat abnormal cells before they grow in an uncontrolled way.

Who needs cervical screening?

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 should have regular cervical screening, because this is when most cervical cancers develop. Previously it was recommended that screening should be done annually, but now research has shown that women aged 25-49 should be screened every 3 years and women aged 50-64 should be screened every 5 years.

Things to consider before your appointment:

• Think about whether you would prefer a female doctor to perform the test, and whether you would like another person in the room during your test
• Try book your appointment for a day when you are not menstruating
• Avoid using vaginal creams or medications in the 2 days before your test as these can interfere with the sample taken
• Inform your doctor if it is your first cervical screening, or if you have had any difficulties with previous smears
• Talk to your doctor if you think you could be pregnant

What happens during cervical screening?

• You will be asked to undress from your waist down, and given a gown or sheet to cover yourself with.
• You will then need to lie on the bed with your knees bent and apart.
• Your doctor will apply a little lubricant gel to a device called a speculum (which is either plastic or metal).
• The speculum will then be inserted into your vagina and used to gently open it.
• With the help of a bright light your doctor will locate your cervix and use a soft brush to take a small sample of cells from the cervix.
• The speculum will be gently removed and you will then be able to get dressed.
• the specimen is labelled and sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

 

Although cervical screening is a simple and routine procedure, your doctor could occasionally find it difficult to locate your cervix. You may be asked to slide a pillow underneath your buttocks to lift your pelvis or asked to cough a little.

What does cervical screening feel like?

Most of the time, cervical screening will feel just a little uncomfortable. If you feel pain during the test, tell your doctor so that they can try make it more comfortable for you.

Any discomfort or pain should settle quickly. Sometimes you will notice a little blood after your screening test, this is normal and is no need for concern.

If you feel that the pain is severe, or the bleeding is excessive, contact your doctor to discuss.

What will happen after cervical screening?

Your doctor will either offer to contact you with the results or ask you to make a follow-up appointment in about a week after your screening test.

What happens next will depend on the results that your doctor receives from the laboratory:

• Normal result – you will be asked to return for routine follow up screening after 3-5 years depending on your age.
• Slightly abnormal cells – if it wasn’t already requested by your doctor, another test for human papilloma virus (HPV) will be added.
• Slightly abnormal cells and no HPV – your risk of developing cancer is low, and you will be offered routine screening in 3-5 years.
• Slightly abnormal cells with HPV or very abnormal cells – you will be offered another test called colposcopy to check your cervix more closely.
• Actual cancer cells - you will be referred to a specialist as soon as possible.
• Cervical screening test insufficient – sometimes the sample is not adequate or is unclear and your doctor will call you to return to repeat the cervical screening.

 

 

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