| Abnormal
Pap Results
According to the National Cancer
Institute, when the Pap test shows an ambiguous or minor
abnormality, the test is usually repeated to ensure accuracy.
If the test shows a significant
abnormality, a colposcopy may be performed
(using an instrument called a colposcope) to examine the vagina
and the cervix.
A Schiller test
may also be performed, in which the cervix is coated with an
iodine solution.
A biopsy may be
performed in which the physician removes a small amount of
cervical tissue for examination by a pathologist. This is the
only sure way to determine whether the abnormal cells indicate
cancer.
|
Pap Test
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test
(sometimes called a Pap smear) is a way to examine cells collected from
the cervix, or the "mouth" of the womb (located at the top of
the vagina), for the presence of:
- infection
- inflammation
- abnormal cells
- cancer
Why is a Pap test
suggested to women?
A Pap test, along
with a pelvic exam, is an important part of a woman's routine health care
because it may detect abnormalities that can lead to invasive cancer. Most
invasive cancers of the cervix can be detected early if women have Pap
tests and pelvic examinations regularly. As with many types of cancer,
cancer of the cervix is more likely to be successfully treated if it is
detected early.
But, the Pap test is not only
useful in detecting cancerous cells, it can detect other changes in the
cervix and vagina, including dysplasia, or pre-cancer cells. Inflammation
in the cervical area may also be detected. Inflammation may be caused by:
- yeast infections
- trichomoniasis infections
- bacteria
- viruses
- medications or other chemicals
- hormones
- pregnancy
- miscarriage (or abortion)
Who should have Pap
tests?
According to the
National Cancer Institute:
Women who are or have been
sexually active, or have reached age 18, should have Pap tests and
physical (and pelvic) examinations regularly.
Generally, there is no upper
age at which Pap tests cease to be effective. Older women should
continue to have regular physical examinations, including pelvic exams
and Pap tests.
Women who have had a
hysterectomy should consult their physicians about whether or not to
continue having regular Pap tests.
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