Alternative names

Papanicolaou test

Definition

A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells scraped from the cervix.

How the test is performed

The Pap smear is performed as part of a gynecological exam. You will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups to position your pelvis for examination. A speculum (an instrument used to open the walls of the vaginal canal to see the interior) will be inserted into your vagina and opened slightly.

A sample of cells from the outside and the canal of the cervix is taken by gently scraping the outside of the cervix with a wooden or plastic spatula, then inserting a small brush that looks like a pipe cleaner into the canal.

The cells are placed on a glass slide and sprayed with a fixative, or put in a bottle containing a preservative, then sent to the lab for examination.

How to prepare for the test

The health care provider should be notified if you have had a prior abnormal Pap smear, if you might be pregnant, or if you are taking any medications or birth control pills. You should avoid douching, using tampons, having intercourse, and tub baths 24 hours before the test.

Avoid scheduling your Pap smear while you are menstruating, because blood and cells from the endometrial cavity may obscure the accuracy of the Pap smear. Empty your bladder just before the test.

How the test will feel

There may be some discomfort and a feeling of pressure during the procedure. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the test.

Why the test is performed

The Pap smear can detect cancerous or precancerous conditions of the cervix. For recommendations on the frequency of having this test done, see the information on cervicitis.

Normal Values

A normal value is negative, meaning there are no abnormal cells present.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal values are based on the test results. The current system of reporting divides the results into three main areas: benign (noncancerous), precancerous (showing some abnormal cell changes), and malignant (possibly cancerous).

A report in the latter two categories will usually lead to a follow-up examination, including a repeat Pap smear and possibly other tests. If you have never had an abnormal Pap smear before, and the result indicates a mild abnormality, the Pap test is repeated in 6 months.

If the test result suggests a severe abnormality or cancer, you may need an immediate colposcopic evaluation with biopsies. If you have had an abnormal Pap test in the past, or have had treatment for a precancerous change, you may need an immediate colposcopy.

The Pap smear is a screening test. Any abnormal results should be discussed with your health care professional, who will help determine if a colposcopy is necessary.

What the risks are

There are no risks involved.

Special considerations

The following drugs may affect Pap smears:

Colchicine
Estrogen
Podophyllin
Progestins
Silver nitrate
Compounds in cigarettes

source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm

more info (click on the thumbnails to view a bigger picture):

Pap smear

A Pap test is a simple, relatively inexpensive procedure that can easily detect cancerous or precancerous conditions. During a Pap smear, cells from the outside and the canal of the cervix are retrieved by gently scraping the outside of the cervix. The Pap smear is performed to detect cancerous or precancerous conditions of the cervix.

nice post, & btw, how much does the test cost

yeah.. how much it cost here in Malaysia? I noticed shadowprincess is in canada... -.-"

thanks alot for the information...! it's really helpful..

btw.. what is "colposcopy " don't quite understand even after reading the pamplets attached...

many thanks again!!

colposcopy = Examination of the vaginal and cervical epithelia by means of a colposcope.

colposcope = A magnifying and photographic device used as an aid in the diagnostic examination of the vaginal and cervical epithelia.

It costs around RM100 including lab tests for the cells. I went to TTDI's Apollo clinic to get mine done - female gyne AND very friendly. Results come out in two weeks. Pretty fast.

it costs RM1 if you go government maternity and child health clinics.

sorry wrong post. delete this.

This post has been edited by skippro: Mar 19 2006, 04:21 AM

Whats the doctors name? and which part of TTDI is Apollo clinic?

which part of TTDI?? mind to elaborate more?

meiteo,
how do they send the results? by post or self collect? thanks

people, if we wana do pap smear n std test , will they phone our house and tell our parents if they is sumthing wrong?or will they post the reaults to our house?

what is the best age to do pap smear? sum say better do it after u're married...is it true?

Yup..after married...coz this test is tyo test cervical cancer by HPV....and the risk of cervical cancer is proportional to the number of SI(sexual intercourse) had....that's y it's only necessary after u get married....Unless u're having SI before married...

IT Only costs rm 30 .

i did the pap smear test in lourdes clinic jalan ipoh, cost me rm100 n can get the result 10days after the test...women who is sexually active shoud do the pap smear test..

i think pap smear should be encourage among sexually active women, because it's a very useful test to diagnose early abnormal changes.

according to clinical doctors, cervical cancer is very easy to treat if detected earlier. However, the problems of cervical cancecr is that the cancer only present signs and symptoms at a very late stage.

another word is that, when patients approach doctors about the problems they face: leuchorrhoea, dysparunia, vaginal bleeding, dysuria... it's already in late stage and the prognosis is not that good.

In US, cervical cancer was the leading cause of death 50 years ago, but with the screening with pap smear, cervical cancer has reduced this to the 8th cause of cancer mortality in women in US today.

the peak age of Invasive Carcinoma( agressive type)--> 5th decade
in situ carcinoma ( non agressive)----> 3rd decade

Pap smear is indicated in sexually active women only and advised at least once a year.



This is wrong, Carcinoma means aggresive. IN-situ carcinoma means that the malignant/dangerous cells have yet to break through the basal membrane. Hence the chances of spread to other body areas are minimal.




For government clinics they will call you regarding your results. Not too sure about private clinics though.




Risk factors for cervical cancer include
1) early sexual intercourse
2)Multiple sexual partners
3)Sexually transmitted diseases
4)Human Papilloma virus infection


This post has been edited by Bodhi: Sep 1 2006, 09:58 AM

Just go to LPPKN it is cheaper there than others hmm for women who sexually active

any recommended clinic or doctor for this? i might one to test this out too.