What is pap smear examination?

It detects the earliest signs of cervical cancer as well as infections, inflammations, and abnormal changes in cervical cells.

Pap smear examination is the most important tool for the screening and early detection of cervical cancer.

What is pap smear?

Detects the earliest signs of cervical cancer as well as infections, inflammations, and abnormal changes in cervical cells
The doctor puts an instrument called speculum into your vagina, sees the cervix, and then takes a few cells for testing from inside and around the cervix using a special stick, brush, or swab

Who needs it and when?

Once a year, for women at age of 21 or 3 years after becoming sexually active till age 30

Once every 2-3 years for women over 30 (Who have 3 normal tests in a row)
Another option for women over 30 (With normal immune systems and no abnormal pap results) is to get tested every 3 years with pap smear plus HPV DNA test

Once a year for women with weak immune system (organ transplant, chemotherapy, steroid use, or HIV infection)

Women above 70 with no abnormal pap results in the last 10 years, and no history of cervical cancer, HIV infection, or a weak immune system, may choose to not get tested. Women with total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) unless the surgery was done for cervical cancer or pre-cancer, may choose to not get tested. Women with hysterectomy without cervix removal need to get tested

Get ready for the test

Schedule it when you do not have your periods
Avoid having sex or using tampons, vaginal creams, or suppositories, about 2 days before the test

What will it tell your doctor?

The test gives a picture about whether there is a suspicion, clear evidence, or absence of cervical cancer. The evidence picked up for infection or inflammation or any other changes would help in further management

In recent times, LBC (Liquid Based Cytology) method of testing has gained recognition over the standard technique due to its higher sensitivity and specificity as well as the early identification of precancerous lesions.