Smear test is a general screening method used to evaluate the condition of the uterus and detect infections and cervical cancers. The most important purpose of performing a smear test is to enable early diagnosis of cervical cancer. This screening is routinely performed during gynecologist examinations.
It is known that the HPV virus also causes cervical cancer. Since the HPV virus has no symptoms other than warts that may occur in the genital area, smear test is very important in detecting this virus. As it is known, the importance of early diagnosis in cancer treatments is always emphasized. While the risk of life-threatening cancers in women's reproductive organs is quite high, it is possible to completely eliminate this formation in cases of early diagnosis. It is very necessary and important to perform this screening, especially since one of the two most common cancers in women is cervical cancer.
Smear test is a procedure performed by removing the shed cells from the cervix along with the renewal of the cells and examining these cells. is the process. Although it does not damage the tissues, it is painless and painless. This procedure is performed by inserting a speculum into the vagina and collecting the cells shed from the cervix with the help of a stick called "spatul" or "smear brush". The patient must not have had sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the procedure. It is important during this test that there is no vaginal bleeding or any medication or cream applied to the vaginal area. The ideal time for this test is known to be 1 week to 10 days after the menstrual period.
When to do this test, to which age group, to whom, and how often; The decision is made by gynecologist examination. Generally, for the first test, the period when sexual activity begins is preferred or the person must be over 18 years old. This test, which is also applied during pregnancy, has no harm to the pregnancy. These tests must be performed routinely at regular intervals. However, test times may vary depending on the evaluations made. For example, while screening is performed every 2-3 years in a patient with low risk, this period may be once a year in a patient with high risk symptoms. Cancer diagnosis and treatment It is aimed to continue screening for 3 to 6 months in patients with mentioned cancer and to prevent the disease by taking the necessary precautions to detect cancer.
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