A pap test, also called a pap smear, is a test performed as part of the regular gynecological checkups a woman receives. This important test is quick and painless and can detect the signs of cervical cancer by taking a sample of the cervix tissue. Women should have regular pap tests in order to catch this treatable cancer before it becomes serious.
Definition
A pap test is a doctor-performed test used to look for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, which is the bottom portion of the uterus that controls access into and out of the female reproductive tract. These abnormalities can signal the presence of cervical cancer or precancerous cells that might lead to cancer if left to grow unchecked.
Procedure
During a pap test, the gynecologist uses a speculum to open the vaginal canal while the woman is lying on the examining table with her feet in stirrups and her legs open. The doctor cleans the cervix and collects cervical cells with a cotton swab, thin brush or spatula. The sample is placed on a slide and sent to a lab to be analyzed under a microscope by a technician trained to detect cellular abnormalities.
Results
There are three types of abnormal results reported from a pap test. Atypical cells of uncertain significance (ASCUS) are generally not considered immediately dangerous but they should be watched over time. A woman who has ASCUS may be recommended to have a follow-up test in 3 to 6 months instead of waiting for her next regular checkup. Low-grade dysplasia and high-grade dysplasia are more serious results and can indicate the presence of precancerous cells. Women with dysplasias will likely be referred for further testing within a few days or weeks. A diagnosis of potentially cancerous or malignant cells indicates the presence of cervical cancer and the woman will need immediate follow-up.
Who Gets Pap Tests
All women 21 and older should have regular pap tests, usually yearly or every two years depending on her risk factors for cervical cancer. Women over 30 with 3 or more normal results in a row may space their tests out to every three years at the discretion of their doctors. Women over 65 may be able to stop having pap tests if they have had no abnormal results for 10 years or more.
Benefit
Getting regular pap smears is beneficial because it is the best way to detect the cellular changes that precede the development of cervical cancer. If caught early, cervical cancer is treatable, while it can be deadly if not detected in time.
