Abnormal Pap Smear

Best Abnormal Pap Smear Procedure in MRC Nagar, Chennai

A pap smear, also referred to as a pap test, is a simple medical procedure. It is performed to look for cancer cells in the cervix. The test can detect precancerous cells in your cervix, which is located at the top of your vagina, at the lower end of the uterus.

If cancerous cells are detected, you can have a higher chance of getting cured. Doctors look for abnormal cell growth during this test. For further information, contact pap smear specialists near you.

Why would you need a pap smear?

A pap smear is recommended for all women above the age of 21. It is usually done along with a pelvic exam. Get this test done once every three years. You might be asked to get them done more regularly if:

• You are HIV-positive
• You have a weak immune system due to an organ transplant procedure or chemotherapy
• You have shown signs of having abnormal cells
• You have a history of smoking

Women, who are older than 30, can get them done once every five years, along with HPV testing. For more information, you can consult a pap smear doctor near you.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is the procedure done?

Pap smears can be slightly uncomfortable, but they are done very quickly. While the procedure is being done, you will be asked to lie down on your back, with legs spread wide. Your legs will be held in foot supports called stirrups. A small speculum will be inserted into your vagina, these will help you keep your vagina walls open and provide proper access to the doctor. The doctor will then scrape a sample of cells from your cervix using a spatula or a brush. You might feel a slight sense of irritation during the process. After the sample is collected, it will be sent to a laboratory for testing. You might feel slight cramping or discomfort in your vagina. There might be a slight chance of vaginal bleeding. If any of these continue after a day of the procedure, inform your doctor.

Why is the procedure conducted?

The main purpose of a pap smear is to detect abnormal cells in your cervix. It helps detect cancer cells or pre-cancerous cells in order to remove them at the earliest stage possible. You should get more information from pap smear specialists in Chennai.

What should you do before a pap smear procedure?

Before getting a pap smear, you should

• Avoid any sexual intercourse
• Avoid medicine or creams for the vagina
• Avoid getting a pap smear during your menstrual cycle

What are the results of a pap smear?

You can get two types of results during a pap smear:

1. Normal Results: When no abnormal cells are found in your cell sample, your results are normal. You are tested negative and you don’t need to get any further testing done.
2. Abnormal Results: If abnormal cells are detected in your sample during a pap smear, you are said to have a positive or an abnormal result. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. The results are different depending on the types of cells detected. There are certain levels of abnormal cells:
   • Atypia
   • Mild
   • Moderate
   • Severe dysplasia
   • Carcinoma in situ

Usually, the results show milder cells rather than carcinogenic ones. Depending on the results the doctor might suggest one of the following:

• More frequent pap smears to keep a check on the situation
• Getting a colposcopy, for a closer look at your cervical tissue.

Conclusion

Pap smears are necessary as they help locate cervical cancer and find pre-cancerous cells, to prevent future complications. These help in keeping you safe and healthy. If you are older than 21, you should get pap smears done once every three years. For further information, contact pap smear hospitals near you.

References

Pap Smear (Pap Test): Reasons, Procedure & Results

During the Pap smear

Abnormal Pap Smear Test: What You Should Know