Pap Test
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear) is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix, or the "mouth" of the womb (located at the top of the vagina), for the presence of:
- infection
- inflammation
- abnormal cells
- cancer
Why is a Pap test suggested to women?
A Pap test, along with a pelvic exam, is an important part of a woman's routine health care because it may detect abnormalities that can lead to invasive cancer. Most invasive cancers of the cervix can be detected early if women have Pap tests and pelvic examinations regularly. As with many types of cancer, cancer of the cervix is more likely to be successfully treated if it is detected early.
The Pap test is useful for detecting not only cancerous cells, but also other cervical and vaginal abnormalities including dysplasia (precancerous cells) and inflammation. Inflammation may be caused by:
- yeast infections
- trichomoniasis infections
- bacteria
- viruses
- medications or other chemicals
- hormones
- pregnancy
- miscarriage (or abortion)
Who should have Pap tests?
According to the National Cancer Institute:
- Women who are or have been sexually active, or have reached age 18, should have Pap tests and physical (and pelvic) examinations regularly.
- Generally, there is no upper age at which Pap tests cease to be effective. Older women should continue to have regular physical examinations, including pelvic exams and Pap tests.
- Women who have had a hysterectomy should consult their physicians about whether or not to continue having regular Pap tests.
Abnormal Pap Results
According to the National Cancer Institute, when the Pap test shows an ambiguous or minor abnormality, the test is usually repeated to ensure accuracy.
If the test shows a significant abnormality, a colposcopy may be performed (using an instrument called a colposcope) to examine the vagina and the cervix.
A Schiller test may also be performed, in which the cervix is coated with an iodine solution.
A biopsy may be performed in which the physician removes a small amount of cervical tissue for examination by a pathologist. This is the only sure way to determine whether the abnormal cells indicate cancer.
