Papanicolaou-Cervical Cytology
Cervical cytology or Pap smear is the most widely used technique for early detection of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. It also allows the diagnosis of certain infections.
This diagnostic test is performed as a routine protocol in the annual gynaecological check-up.
Thanks to this technique we can diagnose precursor lesions or cervical cancer itself. It also allows the diagnosis of infections and in some cases it can be used to make a hormonal diagnosis. We must remember the importance of this test in women, as there is a very high incidence of this type of cancer in women, and at an increasingly younger age. Thanks to prevention we can treat it and even avoid suffering from this type of disease.
How often should a woman have a cervical smear test?
Cervical cytology is a routine test for all women. It should be part of annual screening. Pap smears should begin at age 21.
How is cervical cytology performed?
There is no risk involved in performing a Pap smear. It is painless. The walls of the vagina are separated so that the cervix can be seen and samples are taken from the outside of the cervix and the inside, the endocervix. Once the sample is taken it is sent to our specialised pathologists and we have the results within 3 days.
What preparation should you have for cervical cytology?
- Do not have sexual intercourse 48 hours before the test.
- Four to five days after the end of menstruation.
- Do not wash internally, only externally with soap and water.
- Do not use topical treatments at least 5-7 days before the examination (vaginal ova, spermicides, vaginal creams).
What does an abnormal cervical cytology result mean?
It should be noted that there may be findings that are not related to cervical cancer (fungal infections, herpes, trichomonas, etc.) or reactive cellular changes (reactions of cervical cells to infections or other irritations), which, depending on the case, will require treatment or simply follow-up.
For findings related to premalignant lesions and cervical cancer, there are several methods to describe the degree of alteration.
If the cytology results are abnormal, our gynaecologist will assess the possible causes of the abnormality and the recommended treatment.
What is the importance of annual cervical cytology?
The incidence of uterine cancer is very high, and at an increasingly younger age, so annual cervical smear tests are essential.
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