What is The Pap Test?
Pap Test, also known as the Pap Smear Test is a screening test to determine the presence of infectious, premalignant (Cervical dysplasia), and malignant processes in the ectocervix, endocervix and endometrium. Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the cervix have undergone precancerous changes.Treatment can prevent it from progressing to cervical cancer.
The test aims to detect and prevent the progression of HPV-induced cervical cancer. This technique was invented by Doctor Georgios Papanikolaou in the early 20th century.
It is generally recommended that active sexually women to undergo a Pap Test every year, but I recommend it to be done every six months. There is no upper limit for this test, women in menopause should take this test as often as before the menopause.
Pap Test is a painless procedure that involves scraping some cells from a woman’s cervix and looking at them under a microscope to see if abnormal cells are present. About 5% to 7% of Pap smears produce abnormal results, such as dysplasia or even cervical cancer. Anyway, women with early stages of cervical cancer can be cured and live a healthy life after the treatment.
Always after a Pap test ask your doctor specific information about the result. If the doctor recommends you further tests or treatment, follow his or hers advice carefully. This simple test can save your life.
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