Cervical smear counselling Flashcards

1
Q

why do we smear test & how does it work

A

stop cervical cancer developing (catch it)

collect small samples of cells from cervix, examine & look for abnormalities

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2
Q

when and how often

A

Every 3 years if 25-49

5 yearly if 50-64

3 months after pregnancy ending (live/stillbirth, miscarriage, TOP)

Don‟t need if still a virgin.

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3
Q

where does it happen

A

GP

Family Planning Clinic

GUM clinic

antenatal clinic

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4
Q

timing with menstrual cycle

A

make appt middle of cycle

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5
Q

practicalities of procedure itself

A

undress from waist down; lie back with knees up and apart

speculum inside vagina, opens up –> visualise cervix

surface of cervix brushed with a brush to collect sample

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6
Q

is it painful

A

shouldn’t hurt but a bit uncomfortable - stay relaxed

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7
Q

result reporting if -ve findings

A

may hear nothing if no abnormalities

next time in 3/5 years time

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8
Q

reassuring stats

A

9/10 normal

1/20 mild changes

1/100 moderate changes

1/200 severe

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9
Q

explain borderline results

A

borderline - near normal changes –> repeat in 6 months

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10
Q

explain ectropion results

A

erosion (ectropion) - cells from the cervical inside (canal) are seen on the outside (surface)

common in teenagers, pregnant, on pill

can cause post-coital bleeding & resolves by itself

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11
Q

abnormal changes (dyskariosis) results explained

A

mild - CIN1 - 1/3 thickness skin covering cervix has abnormal cells

moderate

severe (carcinoma in-situ - chill it’s not cancer!)

if not treated –> can cancer

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12
Q

tx each CIN in dyskariosis

A

mild - colposcopy or 4 consecutive normal 6-monthly smears

moderate/severe - tx required

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13
Q

colposcopy explained

A

similar to process of smear

additional use magnifying glass

can take biopsy

uses laser

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14
Q

is it (colposcopy) painful

A

can use paracetamol/ibuprofen if period type pain

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15
Q

lifestyle/risk reduction advice

A

stop smoking

keep sanitary towel - bleeding/discharge of up to 4 weeks

don’t use tampons or have sex for 4 weeks as ++ infection risk

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16
Q

what if HPV +ve

A

dw 90% clear it by 2 years