Cervical / Ovarian Cancer Screening
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Pap smear is a Cervical / Ovarian Cancer Screening test. This test look for cancer cells in the cervix. The cervix is the mouth of the uterus, where it meets the vagina
It will also look for cells that can potentially turn into cancer which are called premalignant cells. By doing this test one can pick up changes much before the cancer sets in and the treatment will involve minimalistic procedures if picked at the right time.
Which other tests can be used for Cervical / Ovarian Cancer Screening ?
- HPV test – HPV stands for "human papillomavirus." It is the virus that causes most of the cervical cancer. An HPV test involves testing cells from the cervix for the HPV .
- Combination test – This involves doing a Pap and HPV test at the same time.
What happens during a Pap or HPV test?
For taking the test the doctor will gently insert a device called the speculum which separates the vaginal wall and enables to see the cervix. After visualization a small brush or spatula is inserted and cells are taken.
The test doesn’t cause any pain however there might be slight discomfort.
What’s the optimum time for screening?
Most experts recommend that you start having Pap tests when you turn 21 if you are sexually active. . Also, you do not need to start Cervical / Ovarian Cancer Screening before age 21, even if you became sexually active at a younger age.
What should I do to prepare for a Pap or HPV test?
You do not need to do anything special to prepare.
People sometimes hear that they should not have sex or put anything in their vagina for 2 days before a scheduled pap test. However that’s not essential.
Your doctor will prefer to do the test when there is no period.
How often should I be screened for cervical cancer?
That depends on how old you are and what the results of your past Pap tests have been.
- If you are age 21 to 49 : once every three years
- If you are age 50 or older, you can have a Pap test every 5 years
- If you are age 65 or older, you can stop having Pap tests if:
- You had Pap tests done regularly until you turned 65 and the previous tests were normal.
I have had my uterus removed, do I still need the pap test?
If you have had surgery called a "hysterectomy" to remove your uterus, ask your doctor if you need to keep getting screened. After a hysterectomy, you probably do not need screening if:
- Your cervix was removed along with your uterus, and
- You did not have cervical cancer or precancer (sometimes called "dysplasia")
If you're not sure, your doctor can help you figure out if you need to continue screening.
I have finished my cervical cancer vaccine?
Yes. HPV vaccine lowers your chances of getting cervical cancer. But it does not completely protect you. You should still be screened for cancer or precancer.
What happens if my pap test is abnormal?
Your doctor may want to run a HPV test on you if your pap is abnormal. They may suggest a procedure called colposcopy that allows a better visualization of the cervix and allows targeted biopsy.
What if my HPV test comes back positive?
it's essential to know having HPV does not mean that you have or you will develop cancer. For most people, HPV infection goes away on its own but it may persist in some women. Long-lasting HPV infection increases the risk of cancer.
Also HPV has many sub types not all will lead to cancer. There are some which are linked more frequently to cervical cancers which are called high risk HPV. Your doctor will guide you with the way forward depending upon the type of HPV and the pap smear report.