A Pap Smear is one of the most important things a woman could do to prevent cervical cancer. It is recommended to go for a yearly examination from the age of 23 or when you start sexual activity. Here are some information on what to expect.
What is a Pap Smear?
This is a test that is performed on the cervix (mouth of the uterus). It is performed by a doctor who inserts a speculum, which is a small instrument, into the vagina, sees the cervix, and with a small brush, gently removes some cells for testing.
Why?
The cells of the cervix can undergo changes without one noticing it or experiencing any discomfort or bleeding. It is important that we pick these changes up, as they can be precursors to cancer. These changes are mostly caused by a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.
What can we expect?
We will inform you about the results of your pap smear, in case of any abnormalities or infection.
Read the following very carefully, as it is very important:
Abnormal atypical cells do not mean cancer. The cells of cervix undergo changes long before they become cancer. If you get a phone call saying you have abnormal cells on your pap smear DO NOT PANIC. It is not an emergency. All this means is that cells have been discovered which can be treated with a small procedure
and you can prevent further changes from occurring.
What results can I expect?
• NORMAL – in which case the pap smear should be repeated yearly.
• ASCUS (atypia) or LSIL (low grade dysplasia) or CIN 1 (Cervical Intra-Epithelial Neoplasia.)
In these instances, you will be asked to return for a pap smear in 6 months. The reason for this is that these cells can actually return to their normal state within this time. The question often asked is: “Is 6 months not too long?” The answer to this question is that changes, even if they get worse, happen over a period of 10 – 15 years. Therefore, we do have time.
• HSIL (High grade dysplasia) or CIN 11 or III
In this case you will be called back for a possible colposcopy. This is a small theatre procedure
during which the cervix is examined with a magnifying glass. It enables us to have a further look at
the cervix to identify these abnormal cells (which are not cancer cells). We may then treat them by
excising the abnormal cells. This is a small procedure. In this way we can prevent cancer of the
cervix developing.
These abnormalities of the cervix are usually associated with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). We
know that HPV plays a role in the development of abnormal cells, but you need not be alarmed if
your doctor tells you that there is HPV present. Thirty five percent (35%) of the population has HPV
present and there is no need to be worried about it.
NOTE: THE PAP SMEAR ONLY SHOWS WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE CERVIX – NOT TO THE UTERUS OR OVARIES.
Summary:
The pap smear is a very useful preventative test performed on the cervix to alert us to atypical or abnormal cells which may or may not need treatment to prevent cancer from developing.