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| Other topics: Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
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Keywords
Papanicolaou, sexually transmitted diseases, pap smear, bmrepf, hp
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Overview *
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A Pap Smear test can detect early stages of cervical cancer, allowing for early treatment. Cervical cancer usually develops gradually. A specimen from the cervix is obtained using a swab, or smear and sent to a lab to be analyzed. Results are considered abnormal and require follow up if anything but normal cells are present. Results which show infection are also considered atypical and require follow up. Atypia refers to slight abnormality in the cells which could turn into cancer after a while. Early cancer, also called carcinoma in situ, is limited to the cells on the surface of the cervix. If left untreated, the cancer will move deeper into the cervix, and from there it could move to other organs. Treating atypia and carcinoma in situ is very successful in curing cervical cancer, so regular Pap tests are very important. Women from ages 21-30 should be screened every two years. Women age 30 and older who have had three consecutive negative cervical cytology test results may be screened once every three years. Women with certain risk factors, such as having HIV, who are immunosuppressed, who were exposed to DES in utero, or who have been treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, stage 2 or 3, or cervical cancer need more frequent screening.
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Multimedia
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This patient education program is for women whose doctor has requested that they have a Pap smear. Included are the following sections: anatomy, diseases of the cervix, during a Pap smear, results, and prevention.
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This button allows you to read and print an illustrated handout. |
This button starts a multimedia program with interactive questions. |
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This button starts an interactive quiz.
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This button plays a self-running presentation.
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Last reviewed: 12/28/2007 |
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