Regular Pap smears have saved the lives of millions of women around the world. All women aged 18 s.d. 65 years who had been sexually active must perform a Pap smear (or IVA) every two years, including those who had been vaccinated for cervical cancer. Most women who develop cervical cancer are those who have never or not regularly undergo a Pap smear.

This examination method was invented by the Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou. Its main purpose is to detect potentially cancerous cell changes are usually caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). In addition, the Pap smear can also detect infections and abnormalities in the endocervix and endometrium.

cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is almost always associated with HPV, which is spread through genital contact during sexual activity. HPV infection is thus a normal part of an active sexual life. Four out of five women have HPV at some point in their lives.

Although HPV is very common, most HPV infections do not develop into cervical cancer. In most cases, HPV cleared from the body naturally. This can take 1-2 years and require no treatment. Sometimes, the virus remains in the cells of the cervix and cause cell damage. If these changes are left untreated then the risk of developing into cervical cancer.

Pap Smear Procedure

A Pap smear is a simple and rapid procedure performed by a nurse or doctor (gynecologist). During the examination, an instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina. This allows the cervix open. A small spatula and brush then inserted to take samples of cells from the cervix. These cells are then applied to a sheet of glass preparations and sent to a lab for analysis. The results are usually available within a week.

Pap smear may make you uncomfortable but not painful. If you feel ill, you should tell your doctor or nurse to check.

The test results

The results of abnormal Pap smear does not mean you have cervical cancer. The cervix is the end of the vagina are prone to abnormal changes. Changes in cervical cells may occur because:

     * Vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
     * Human papillomavirus (HPV), associated with cervical cancer
     * Drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy
     * Hormonal changes that occur in post-menopausal women.

If your Pap smear results are abnormal, your doctor may ask you to undergo a Pap smear test in three or six months. Schedule a Pap smear test depends on the type of problem you have. During this period, cells from the cervix can heal itself or even more evolved.

If the abnormality is quite alarming, the doctor may perform HPV testing or further investigation called colposcopy. In colposcopy, you will be placed on the bed for Pap smear tests such as acetic acid and applied to your cervix. Your doctor will use kolposkop (large electronic microscopy) that are placed approximately 30 cm from the vagina. The bright light from the tip kolposkop lets the doctor see your cervix to check the level and nature of changes in the cell. Tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken from the cervix for abnormal areas further evaluated in the laboratory.