Cervical smear

It is a procedure to check for cervical cancer in women.

A Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Early detection of cervical cancer with a Pap smear may give you a greater chance of a cure. A Pap smear can also reveal changes in the cells of the cervix, which may indicate the possibility of cancer in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in stopping possible cervical cancer.

Who should have a Pap smear?
Doctors generally recommend beginning cervical screening at age 21

Doctors generally recommend repeating the cervical cancer screening test every three years for women ages 21 to 65.

How is a Pap smear performed?

A Pap smear is done in a doctor's office and takes only a few minutes.

You will lie on your back on the exam table with your knees bent. Your heels will rest on two supports called cuffs.

Your doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum separates the walls of the vagina so that the doctor can easily see the cervix. The insertion of the speculum may result in a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area.

The doctor will then take samples of cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat scraping device called a spatula. Usually this is not painful.

The samples are taken to a laboratory where they are examined under a microscope to look for characteristics that indicate the presence of cancer or the potential for carcinogenesis in the cells.

If your Pap smear result is abnormal, your doctor will perform a procedure called a colposcopy using a special magnifying instrument (colposcope) to examine the tissues of your cervix, vagina and vulva.

Also, the doctor may take a tissue sample (biopsy) from any areas that appear abnormal. Then, the tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis and to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Are there risks to a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a safe way to screen for cervical cancer. Although abnormal cells may not be detected, time is on your side. Cervical cancer takes several years to appear. If the abnormal cells aren't detected by one test, they may be found in the next test.
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