The cervix is the opening to the uterus (womb). It can be seen at the top of the vagina. The cells on the cervix can become cancerous. The change from normal cells to cancer cells takes time. Changes detected early can be treated before cancer develops. A Pap test is a way to look for changing or cancerous cells on the cervix.
A Pap test is often done as part of a pelvic exam. It is done to check cervical cells for changes ( cervical dysplasia ) that could develop into cancer. It can also detect cancer cells.
The current recommendations are:
Tell your doctor if you:
You will lie on your back on an examination table. You will place your feet in foot rests. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina. It will gently open your vagina. A fine brush or spatula will be used to wipe the walls of the cervix. The speculum will be removed. The cervical cells that stuck to the tools will be placed in a fluid-filled bottle. The cells will then be sent to a lab for testing.
You will be able to leave after the test is done. You may have a small amount of bloody discharge after the test.
The pelvic exam takes less than five minutes.
A Pap test is generally painless. You may feel some pressure or a small cramp when the cervix is wiped to gather cells.
The results of your Pap test are sent to your doctor within 2-3 weeks. Your doctor will inform you of the results. If needed, she will talk to you about follow-up testing or treatment:
RESOURCES:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/
The National Women's Health Information Center
http://www.4woman.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. First cervical cancer screening delayed until age 21 less frequent Pap tests recommended. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr11-20-09.cfm . Published November 20, 2009. Accessed November 23, 2009.
College of American Pathologists. College of American Pathologists website. Available at: http://www.cap.org/apps/cap.portal . Accessed June 9, 2008.
Grady D. Guidelines push back age for cervical cancer tests. The New York Times website. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/health/20pap.html?_r=1 . Published November 20, 2009. Accessed November 23, 2009.
Pap smear. University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology website. Available at: http://obgyn.uihc.uiowa.edu/ . Updated 2004. Accessed June 9, 2008.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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