A pap test or a pap smear is used to test the presence of cervical cancer in women. The procedure involves collecting cells from the cervix. Detecting the presence of cervical cancer early can improve your chances for a cure.
A pap smear can also identify alterations in the cervical cells that hint at the possible development of cancer in the future. The test is the primary step towards preventing this possibility.
Visit a reputed gynaecology clinic to discuss the right time to start the test and how often you must have it. Usually, it’s recommended to start pap testing from the age of 21 and repeating it every 3 years until you are 65. Women who are 30 or older can have the test every 5 years if it is done together with HPV testing.
Here is everything to know about the procedure of a pap test.
During the Test
A Pap test is carried out in the doctor office and needs just a few minutes. You might have to undress from the waist down or completely.
You would lie down on your back with your knees bent on the examination table. Your heels would be rested in supports known as stirrups.
The doctor will carefully insert a tool known as a speculum into your vagina. It will hold your vaginal walls apart to allow the doctor to see your cervix clearly. You may feel pressure in the pelvic area when the speculum is inserted.
The doctor will go ahead and collect samples of your cervical cells with the help of a flat scraping tool called a spatula and a soft brush.
After the Test
After the procedure, you will be able to do your daily chores without restrictions.
Based on the type of Pap test you are having, the cell sample taken from your cervix will be transferred:
- Into a container that holds a special liquid for preserving the sample (in a liquid-based pap smear)
- Onto a glass slide (in a conventional pap smear)
The samples are taken to the lab in which they are microscopically examined to look for traits in the cells that hint at a precancerous condition or cancer.
Ask the doctor about when the test results are expected.
Results of Pap Smear
The results of a Pap test can be negative (normal) or positive (abnormal). A negative result means that abnormal cells have not been found in your cervix. If the result is positive, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that you have cervical cancer. You might have precancerous cells.
As per the results, the doctor may recommend more frequent pap testing. A biopsy might be needed to collect and examine a sample of your cervical tissue. A colposcopy procedure might also be required wherein your vaginal and cervical tissues would be closely examined using light and magnification.
If you are already 21 years old, it’s a good idea to visit a renowned gynaecology clinic and have your first pap smear. The follow-up tests and their timings will be informed by the gynaecologist.