Pap smear test is a very important and very simple screening test that women should have at least once a year, which detects cellular changes that are precursors to cervical cancer in suspicious cases and determines whether cancer is present. It should be performed more frequently in those with HPV infection or in the risk group.
Pap smear test is also known as "cervical cancer screening test", "cervical smear test" or "cervical swab". Smear test is an extremely simple, easy, comfortable and economical screening tool that prolongs life in women.
How is the test performed?
The gynecologist is sterile during the examination. Using brushes, cell samples are taken from the cervical tissue and spread on a glass, then fixed with this spray and sent to the pathology laboratory.
Is the Pap Smear Test a painful procedure?
Performing a Pap smear test. The patient does not feel any pain or suffering when cells are taken from the cervix. Such procedures are already routinely performed during gynecological check-ups, and most patients do not feel anything while they are being performed.
What is the meaning of an abnormal smear test?
The purpose of the test is to detect infections in the cervix and abnormal (carcinogenic) feature) to detect cells. There is no rule that says every person who has a smear test has cancer suspicion. In cases such as ASCUS, LGSIL and HGSIL, further examination with follow-up or colposcopy may be required.
According to the test results, when findings indicating cervical cancer are found, treatment is started at an early stage.
Normally, a woman should be diagnosed once a year. Having this test provides early diagnosis of possible cervical cancer, provides early treatment and saves lives. With this test, it is possible to diagnose cervical cancer at the earliest stage.
Who should have a smear test?
Every woman who starts menstruating should be tested at appropriate periods over time until menopause (at least once a year under normal conditions). times) should have this test.
Since the smear test is a test that allows early diagnosis, women who do not have any complaints should also have this test.
• Those with cervical wounds
• Those who experience aches and pains during sexual intercourse
• Those who have bleeding outside of their menstrual period
• Those who have persistent discharge
should have this test done without wasting time.
When should the test not be performed? p>
The most appropriate time to have this test is between the middle of the menstrual period and the beginning of the menstrual period. In other words, it is healthier in the premenstrual period.
However, it can be done in any period without menstruation. Not having sexual intercourse for 48 hours before having the test and not placing any medication (intrauterine suppositories) into the chamber are precautions that will help to obtain healthier results.
Women in the risk group should be checked more frequently...
This test should be performed every three months or at periods deemed appropriate by the doctor in patients whose spouses have a history of HPV, in people who have previously had a history of HPV themselves, in patients diagnosed with genital herpes, in patients with genital warts (even if they have been treated). It needs to be done.
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