Procedure
A Pap smear is a test women should have taken at least once every three years by their family doctor or gynecologist. To prepare for the procedure, the woman removes her clothing from at least the waist down, puts on a hospital gown and lies down on the exam table on her back. When the doctor or nurse practitioner comes in to the room, the patient is asked to place her feet on stirrups that are strategically placed far apart in order for the examiner to have a clear view of the vaginal area. The doctor then places a speculum at the opening of the vagina. The speculum is an instrument that holds the vaginal area wide open in order for the doctor to be able to perform the Pap smear.
The doctor gently cleans the vaginal area before using a tool (either a scraper or a cervical brush) to scrape off samples of the lower part of the uterus, called the cervix. The sample, or specimen, is then secured on a glass slide or in a tube along with a solution that helps to preserve the contents. After the sample is taken, it is shipped off to a lab where technicians closely examine the cells for any signs of cancer or other abnormal conditions.
Testing
Most Pap smears are classified under a system known to doctors as the Bethesda System. When looked at carefully underneath a powerful microscope, lab technicians must first determine if there is a sufficient amount of cells present in the specimen to be able to be accurately evaluated. Normal samples are commonly labeled "negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy." Abnormal samples are classified into one of five types of more specific abnormalities. A doctor may decide to perform another Pap smear or a colposcopy in order to obtain a biopsy of cervical tissue to determine if abnormalities are really something to be concerned about. This follow-up is important because cervical cancer results when abnormal cells spread farther into the vaginal area. Early detection is the key to successfully managing cervical cancer.
Recommendations
Women should begin to have Pap smears soon after they become sexually active, and definitely by age 21. There are a few things for women to consider before scheduling a Pap smear. The best time for the test to be taken is 10-20 days after the first day of the most recent period. It is recommended to avoid douching, using vaginal creams or medicines, or having sexual intercourse for a couple days prior to the test. These things may interfere with the accuracy of the results.
Tags: vaginal area, cervical cancer
