Genital PAP Smear
Understanding Genital PAP Smear
What is Genital PAP Smear?
Genital PAP Smear test helps to screen cervical cancer in women. This test detects changes in your cervical cells that may potentially become cancerous in the future. This test also detects infection with Human Papillomavirus(HPV) and inflammation in the cervix. Women may get this test done when they have symptoms such as bleeding from the vagina after sex, vaginal discharge containing blood, pelvic pain, and pain during sex. Women between 21-65 years can get this test done once in three years to prevent cervical cancer. In addition, measures such as maintaining genital hygiene and getting HPV vaccination may help prevent cervical cancer.
What is Genital PAP Smear used for?
To detect abnormal or potentially abnormal cells from the vagina and uterine cervix
To detect any vaginal or uterine infections
To screen for cervical cancer
To follow up after an abnormal Pap test
To monitor any abnormalities or unusual findings
What does Genital PAP Smear measure?
This test is a quick and simple procedure to check the health of your cervix. A Genital PAP smear test, or Papanicolaou test, is a procedure that removes a small sample of cells from the cervix. The smear is prepared and viewed under microscope for diagnosis. The cervix is the part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. Changes in the cells may be due to presence of persistent infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) or due to cancerous/precancerous condition. Genital PAP smear test helps in early detection, before there are any symptoms. The test is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic and the procedure might be a bit uncomfortable.
Interpreting Genital PAP Smear results
Interpretations
A negative result means no abnormal cells were identified.
A positive result suggests presence of abnormal cells which can be cancerous or precancerous.
Other tests
