PAP test

  • PAP test is a simple screening procedure to detect the cancer of cervix in early stage.
  • Problems in the cervix often produce no symptoms during the early stages. Hence PAP test is the best way to find these problems in the stage when they are easier to treat.
  • PAP smear or cervical smear is an early warning test which shows whether there are any changes in the cervix which might develop into c ancer (prec ancerous changes) as well as detecting cancer of the cervix if it is already present.

  • George Nicolas Papanicolaou was pioneer in early detection of cervical cancer , Hence the name PAP Test.

  • The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus ( womb ) often called the neck of the womb.
  • The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). The cervix is about 2-3 cms in length.
pap-test

pap-test

  • Infection by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the most Important risk factor.
  • Cervical cancer is a preventable disease which can be detected early by regular screening tests and follow up. Unfortunately, many women in India are not aware about the screening.

  • In india cervical cancer contributes to approximately 6-29% of all cancers in women.
  • Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women aged 15-44 years. (Most common is Breast Cancer)

Female who :

  • Started having sex at an early age.
  • Have had more than one sexual partner.
  • Have a sexual partner who has had more than one partner.
  • Persistent infection of the cervix with Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Smoking.

It can detect abnormal cervical cells before they turn into cancer cells and with treatment, cervical cancer can be prevented. If treated early has a better outcome

According to ICMR guidelines (INDIA), If you are 30 years and above Pap test should be done once in every 3 years till you turn 65 years of age. If this test is combined with HPV test, the test may be repeated every 5 years.

The Pap test yields optimum results when woman is not having menses (periods).

pap-test

pap-test

  • A small wooden stick or spatula is used to gently scrape the surface of the lower part of the cervix to pick up cells.
  • A special brush called a cytobrush can also be used to obtain cells.
  • The cells are placed on a glass slide, immediately fixed in ethanol and sent to laboratory for further processing and interpretation.
  • There may be some discomfort during the procedure, but it is usually not painful.
  • Some women have light vaginal bleeding after the test.
pap-test

pap-test

  • Important to note a PAP Test is not a Diagnostic Test. It is simply SCREENING METHOD used to determine who may be at higher risk for developing cervical cancer in the future.
  • A positive PAP Test result does not necessarily mean that a woman has cancer.

  • Yes. After abnormal PAP smears doctor will likely recommend a colposcopy , biopsy or an endocervical scraping to accurately diagnose cervical cancer.

  • Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable form of cancer.
  • Early vaccination and regular screening with PAP Test helps to prevent cervical cancer.
  • Vaccine is given as 3 Injection over 6 months periods from 15 to 45 years of age.