According to the National Institutes of Health, colonoscopy and papanicolaou smear are routine tests used to screen for cancer. A colonoscopy is mainly used to screen for colorectal cancer, while a papanicolaou test or Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer. A colonoscopy is recommended every five to 10 years for adults above 50 years. A pap smear is recommended every two years for sexually active women.
Papanicolaou Smear Test Preparation
According to the National Institutes of Health, women scheduled to have pap smears should avoid douching, tub baths, using tampons and having sex two days before the papanicolaou test. Women should also inform their doctors of the medications they are taking because some medications may affect the results of the test.
Papanicolaou Smear Test Procedure
The National Institutes of Health states that a papanicolaou smear test is conducted during a regular gynecological examination. Patients are scheduled to have a pap smear during a day when they are not on their periods. The patients usually lie on an examination table with the knees bent and the legs wide open. A gynecologist uses a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina so as to make the cervix more visible. A plastic spoon is used to collect cells from the cervix. The cells are sent to the lab for examination
Abnormal Papanicolaou Smear Test.
According to the National Institutes of Health, an abnormal pap smear means that the cells of the cervix have abnormal changes that could indicate the presence of cervical cancer. The doctor usually orders further tests for patients with abnormal pap smears.
Colonoscopy
According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Health, a colonoscopy is a procedure that enables the direct examination of the lining of the colon. A colonoscopy is conducted in order to screen for cancer of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy is also used to assess for colon polyps, ulcerations, inflammation and bleeding.
Abnormal Colonoscopy
The American Society of Gastrointestinal Health states that, during colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist may find abnormal changes in the colon such as the growth of cancerous masses known as colon polyps, the presence of abnormal pouches known as diverticuli and the presence of inflammation and ulceration in the colon.
