A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is a procedure performed in order to identify the abnormal cells which are covering the uterine cervix. We are regulating these cellular alterations since they may result in cancer.
In the majority of cases these changes are caused by long term presence of the virus in the cells covering the cervix. This virus is called Human Papilloma Virus or HPV.
Normally, this virus can easily go away within 1-2 years. Our immune system can fight it. But in around of 10% of the population this virus can stay in the body for many years.
The HP Viruses live in the cells covering the cervix and are able to make some changes in the cells. As a result of this long presence some cells become abnormal.
These changes also can be from minor to severe and even to cancer.
Unlike ovaries, cervix is advantaged in a view of early detection because we can visually inspect the cervix and we can identify even small changes in the cells when these changes are minor.
But unfortunately, ovarian cancer is very difficult to detect at its early stage. And when it is already detected, it is usually at advanced stage. But we know that cancer can be easily treated forever at the its early stages.
So, we encourage women to take advantage of this scientific achievement and to visit doctors for cervical cancer screening on regular basis.
Screening is included visual inspection of the cervix and taking smear from the surface of the cervix. It is absolutely pain free procedure. The sample is sent to the laboratory where pathologist examine the cell under microscope. With this sampling we can detect not only changes in the cells, but also, we can detect the presence of the virus and what type is it that virus. Is it oncogenes or not?
There several stages in the process of how these cells change.
From minor to severe changes and finally to cancer. Even only one cancerous cell is enough to start the process of tumor growing. And unfortunately, the early stage of cervical cancer has no symptoms. So, we can detect it only with visual inspection and screening with Paptest.
Routinely it should be performed from the age 21 till 65. After 65 only for special group of patients.
Regardless of your age, your doctor may advise having more frequent Pap smears if you have certain risk factors. These risk elements consist of:
Because of two reasons. Firstly, the HPV is very common at this age, secondly, within 1-2 years it goes away on its own without causing any cell damage. And checking these young people for the presence of the virus will create only tension and unnecessary worries.
The time taken for pap test results to come back from lab after sample submission can vary depending on the complexity of the test. The simpler tests usually take two to three days while more complex tests may take up to two weeks.
Call your doctor's office if, 3 weeks following the test, you haven't received the results of your Pap and HPV tests.
As we know that the changes from minor to severe then based on the severity of the changes doctor will recommend either close observation (for example to repeat Pap test after 6-12 months) or to perform some procedure aiming to remove abnormal cells - diathermy, cryotherapy or excision of the lower part of the cervix. Or doctor will advise to perform colposcopy to examine the cervix more precisely.
Common scenario when women is informed about minor abnormal changes and immediately get upset and anxious asking doctors: “Do I have cancer? Will I have cancer soon?”
No, no, no! It is just slightly abnormal cells which need close monitoring or removal of the cells, but not the cervix itself. That’s it!
Of course, there are some rare cases, when the cancer can be detected and in such cases the treatment will be more aggressive.
As stated above, the Pap test is a screening test that can help find cervical cell changes. It can also help detect cervical cancer early, when it's more treatable.
This is why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends women get screened for cervical cancer every three years with a Pap test or every five years with the newer HPV DNA testing.
Hence, regular pap test screenings are important because they can help identify problems early on, help to treat it effectively and prevent cervical cancer from developing ensuring you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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