What is the Smear Test? Why is it done?

What is the Smear Test?

Smear test is used to diagnose cervical cancer in women. It is also known as the Pap test. This test, which is performed by taking a swab (cell sample) from the cervix with the help of a brush, without any incision or surgical procedure, determines the presence of precursor lesions that may cause cervical cancer. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are possible before the cancer stage is reached.

Why is the Smear Test Performed?

Pap smear test is performed by experts. by pelvic examination. The smear test, which is carried out by taking a swab (cell sample) from the cervix by entering through the vagina, should be repeated in the routines determined by your doctor. It is also performed by combining it with the sexually transmitted diseases and HPV (human papilloma virus) screening test, which is common among people, especially in women older than 30 years of age.

Pap smear test is not performed to diagnose cancer. The smear test is performed to determine the presence of cancer-causing cells by examining them in a laboratory environment. In other words, it is performed to detect lesions that may turn into cancer beforehand.

Who Should Have a Smear Test?

After the first sexual intercourse of women or after the age of 21, the smear test should be repeated as often as recommended by the doctor. needs to be done. The frequency of the screening test is determined by the doctor by evaluating the general health status of the person.

How Often Should the Pap Smear Test Be Repeated?

Smear test frequency can be listed as follows;

• This test can be repeated on average every 3 years for women aged 21 to 65 years in general.

• Pap test if HPV-DNA test If combined, HPV-DNA testing should be repeated every 5 years in women older than 30 years of age. The HPV-DNA test can also directly replace the Pap test.

• If people have a risk factor, then testing can be done more frequently, regardless of age. The risk factors that require the smear test to be repeated more frequently are as follows: are listed;

Risk Factors for Smear Testing

• Pap smear as a result of cervical cancer or if precancerous living cells are seen,

• Weakened immune system due to conditions such as chronic corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or organ transplants

• Diagnosis of HIV infection,

• Use of estrogen.

Who Should Not Have the Pap Smear Test?

Whether the Pap smear test needs to be repeated will be determined by the specialist. However, there is no need to repeat the Pap smear test as a result of the following situations;

• If the hysterectomy procedure, that is, the removal of the uterus, was performed for the removal of non-cancerous benign tumors such as fibroids in the uterus,

• If there is a cervical lesion, but 3 consecutive smear tests are negative and total hysterectomy was performed,

• Above the age of 70 and 3 consecutive smear test results in the last 10 years if it is negative.

Smear test is not applied to people who have not had sexual intercourse yet. Since the biggest cause of cervical cancer is the HPV virus and HPV is predominantly sexually transmitted, it is not preferred in women who have not had sexual intercourse yet.

Possible Risks of the Smear Test

In the pap smear test, which is one of the methods used for the diagnosis of cellular irregularities in the cervix, including cervical cancer, precancerous lesions and endometrial cancer, erroneous results may rarely occur, as in other tests. . However, this is not because the test is defective or inadequate. The reasons for the erroneous results of the smear test can be listed as follows. In doubtful cases, cervical biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis.

• Small number of abnormal cells in the body,

• Insufficient number of cell collection ,

• The formation of blood cells or inflammatory cells that completely hide the abnormal cells.

Preparation before the Smear Test

The preparation stage is very important before the

Pap smear test. In order for the test to give the best results, the following conditions should be considered;

• Applications such as any medication or cream into the vagina should not be made.

• You should not have sexual intercourse within 48 hours before the test.

• Vaginal douche, that is, the inside of the vagina should not be washed with pressurized water or any other liquid.

• If there is a genital infection, a smear test should be performed after it is treated.

• This test cannot be performed during menstruation.

What Happens During and After the Test

During Pap Smear

It is not necessary to be done in every gynecological examination, but it will vary from person to person.

During the smear test, as in the usual routine gynecological examinations, on the gynecological examination table, after a plastic apparatus called speculum is gently inserted into the uterus for easier viewing of the inside of the uterus, A swab is taken from the cervix by entering with a long brush. Taking a swab from the cervix does not mean removing any tissue, a cell sample is taken by touching the relevant area with a brush, such as taking a liquid sample.

After Pap Smear

After the test, people do not have any restrictions on their daily life will continue without The sample taken is placed in a liquid-filled tube to be examined in the laboratory. The cell sample taken is examined in the laboratory and the results are sent to the relevant physician for examination and evaluation.

How to Evaluate the Smear Test Result?

Smear test result It comes out in a few days, depending on the center where the test is applied. However, in public institutions, this period is an average of 1 week. The samples taken are examined in detail in the laboratory.

• If the test result is abnormal, there are many reasons why cervical cells may be abnormal. Cervical infections or precancerous cells can cause abnormal cells to appear. If an abnormal result is obtained, infection treatment and/or close follow-up and/or colposcopy + cervical biopsy may be required. Interpretation of the test result, recommended procedures and treatment should be followed by the guidance of the doctor. p>

  If the cells were evaluated abnormally as a result of the test, the result is positive. However, being positive does not mean that the person has cancer. Most of the abnormal results may vary depending on the infection value of the virus called HPV in general.

  What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

  The following symptoms can be seen in cervical cancer:

  • Irregular, abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

  • Pain in the back, legs or the area of ​​the female genitals

  • Fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite

  • Vaginal discomfort or smelly discharge

  • Swelling in one leg

  • Pain on urination

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