A Pap smear is a procedure in which the cervix is examined for abnormalities caused by infection or sexually transmitted diseases, and a sample of cells is taken and tested in order to minimize the risk of cervical cancer developing from an untreated condition.
When to Begin Getting Pap Smears
A woman should begin getting Pap smears as soon as she is sexually active. However, guidelines vary on the appropriate age for women who are not sexually active to begin getting Pap smears. The Family Doctor website recommends that women have their first Pap smear at age 18. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggess that a woman can wait until she is 21.
Frequency of Pap Smears
After your initial Pap smear, medical experts from The American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, as well as experts from The Family Doctor website, agree that Pap smears should continue on an annual basis. However, after three years of normal results, The Family Doctor suggests that the frequency can be reduced to every three years. However, the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians suggests that annual Pap smears continue until age 30, at which point the frequency can be reduced to every 3 years.
Older Women and Pap Smears
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that women over 65 may be able to have Pap smears less frequently or discontinue having them if they have a history of normal Pap smears and don't have any other risk factors.
Reading Pap Test Results
Pap test results are provided by a lab which evaluates the tissue sample using a standard system. The system, called the Bethesda System, has 4 categories. First, the results can be normal and a regular schedule of Pap tests is appropriate. The second category is called ASC. This indicates that there are some atypical squamous cells, but the cause can't be determined. The third category is classified as either HSIL or LSIL and refers to samples that contained either high grade (H) or low grade (L) intraepthithelial lesions. Finally, the fourth category is identified as atypical glandular cells or cervical cancer.
Dealing With Abnormal Pap Smears
Women with ASC may be told to return in 4 to 6 months for a follow up Pap smear. In some cases, an HPV test may given to look for high-risk strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. If an HPV test is ordered and comes back positive, a colposcopy is usually performed. For patients with LSIL, follow up or a colposcopy may be appropriate. For patients with HSIL, a colposcopy is almost always recommended. If a doctor identifies abnormalities during a colposcopy, the abnormal cells are removed either by freezing (cyrosurgery) or by being burned off with a laser. If cervical cancer is identified, referral to an oncologist is appropriate.
Tags: American College, cervical cancer, Family Doctor, suggests that, American College Gynecologists
