Papanicolaou smear or Pap smear is abbreviated screening to detect changes in cervical cells that can cause cervical cancer. If there are significant changes, early treatment can prevent cervical cancer.
Regular Pap smears save lives has been millions of women around the world. All women aged 18 s.d. 65 years who had been sexually active are required to conduct a Pap smear (or IVA) every two years, including those who have received cervical cancer vaccination. Most women who develop cervical cancer are those who have never or do not undergo regular Pap smears.
Examination method was invented by Georgios Papanikolaou Greek physician. 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 is naturally cleared from the body. This can take 1-2 years and require no treatment. Sometimes, the virus remains in cervical cells and cause cell damage. If changes are left untreated, the risk of developing into cervical cancer.
Pap Smear Procedure
Pap smear is a simple and rapid procedure performed by nurses or doctors (gynecologist). During the examination, an instrument called a speculum carefully 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 sheet glass preparations and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The result is 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 who examined.
Test results
The result of an abnormal Pap smear does not mean you have cervical cancer. The cervix is the end of the vagina that are vulnerable to abnormal changes. Changes in cervical cells can occur because:
* Vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
* Human papilloma virus (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 may heal itself or even more evolved.
When abnormalitasnya quite alarming, the doctor may perform the examination or further investigation of HPV called colposcopy. In colposcopy, you will be placed on the bed as for a Pap smear examination and acetic acid smeared on your cervix. Your doctor will use kolposkop (large electronic microscope) placed approximately 30 cm from the vagina. Bright light from the tip kolposkop allows doctors to 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.