The Pap smear test is undertaken [...]]]> A Pap or Pap smear test is an imperative screening method that assists in timely detection of malignant cancerous or pre-cancer cells in the cervix.

The Pap smear test is undertaken during a women’s pelvic examination routine. At the time of the pelvic examination, the doctor extracts cells samples from the cavity of the uterus called the cervix. These cervical cells samples are sent for laboratory analysis to spot any abnormal cell activity that could point to a preliminary or advanced stage of cervical cancer.

During the pelvic examination procedure, one is required to remove all clothes, following which a breast examination is also done in conjunction. One has to wear the robe given and a coverlet sheet is provided to conceal the leg area. One is supposed to lie on the examination table with the buttock area close to the ending part of the table, with heels of either foot to be placed on the supports found on both the sides so as to create an open-legs position that will facilitate the medical examiner to have better access to the cervical area.

The subsequent step involves the sliding in of a medical apparatus known as the speculum that is made up a of small, constricted stainless steel-made or plastic derived, willow-like paddles that propped into place in a manner to allow the opening up of the vagina so that the medical examiner can remove cell samples from the cervical area. A small brush or scraping instrument is used to scour the cervical cells which are immediately placed on a glass slide and sent for a detailed laboratory analysis.

The medical examiner would also examine the uterus and the ovaries by palpating with fingers introduced into the vagina with the other hand pressing slightly on the lower portion of the abdomen. One might experience sight discomfort during the procedure though it does not hurt.

For highly precise results, one needs to abstain from the use of tampons, douches, vaginal deo-sprays, odour masking powders or deodorants and birth-control gel, jelly or spume for two to three days prior to taking the pap smear test.

The cervical cells extracted at the time of the physical examination are then checked by the pathologist who gets back to the medical examiner with the outcome of the test.

A complex method is adopted to illustrate the outcome of the pap test though one is generally informed the outcome as either normal or abnormal. Though, abnormal doesn’t necessarily directly indicate cervical cancer, as in numerous occasions the test outcome is unclear or the result could indicate a false-positive that accounts to meaning abnormal, but actually it is normal. Often, an abnormal Pap test would mean that supplementary or one more pap smear test is needed. Abnormal outcome could also indicate an infection or pre-cancer condition.

If the outcome is abnormal, the pap test is to be done again along with a human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA testing. The HPV test detects the presence of one among the several forms of HPV virus that leads to cervical cancer. If the outcome of the HPV test is affirmative, the doctor would advice a test known as colposcopy that takes the assistance of a magnifying, illuminated scope or probe to thoroughly examine the cervix with occasionally a tissue sample been removed and sent for detailed laboratory analysis.

One needs to commence taking Pap smear tests in three years subsequent to turning sexually active or when one is 21years. One needs to discuss with the doctor as to the frequency of the pap test to be undertaken depending on the age and risk elements.