WEEK 2: PEAP SMEAR Flashcards
Who is illegible for a peap smear?
Age 21
What happens during a pap smear?
What happens during a Pap smear?
Pap smears can be a bit uncomfortable, but the test is very quick.
During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread and your feet resting in supports called stirrups.
Your doctor will slowly insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This device keeps the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix.
Your doctor will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix. There are a few ways your doctor can take this sample:
Some use a tool called a spatula.
Some use a spatula and a brush.
Others use a device called a cytobrush, which is a combination spatula and brush.
Most women feel a slight push and irritation during the brief scraping.
The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of abnormal cells.
After the test, you might feel mild discomfort from the scraping or a bit of cramping. You could also experience very light vaginal bleeding immediately following the test. Tell your doctor if discomfort or bleeding continues after the day of the test.
How often should a pap smear be done?
How often should you get a Pap smear?
Most of the Pap smear testing guidelines are established by age. Some other factors may influence how often you should have a Pap test.
21No Pap test needed.
21Begin Pap testing every 3 years
.21–29A Pap test every 3 years is recommended.
30–65:Three options are available:A Pap test every 3 years,human papillomavirus (HPV) testevery 5 years, or a co-test with both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years.
65 and older:Pap tests may not be necessary after age 65 if you’ve had several consecutive normal Pap tests in the decade before you reach 65.
Difference between a normal and cancerous cervix
Squamous cell carcinoma.This type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
Adenocarcinoma.This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.
Abnormal results
If abnormal or unusual cells were discovered during your Pap smear, you’re said to have a positive result. A positive result doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. What a positive result means depends on the type of cells discovered in your test.
Here are some terms your doctor might use and what your next course of action might be:
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS).Squamous cells are thin and flat and grow on the surface of a healthy cervix. In the case of ASCUS, the Pap smear reveals slightly abnormal squamous cells, but the changes don’t clearly suggest that precancerous cells are present.
With the liquid-based test, your doctor can reanalyze the sample to check for the presence of viruses known to promote the development of cancer, such as some types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren’t of great concern. If worrisome viruses are present, you’ll need further testing.
Squamous intraepithelial lesion.This term is used to indicate that the cells collected from the Pap smear may be precancerous.
If the changes are low grade, it means the size, shape and other characteristics of the cells suggest that if a precancerous lesion is present, it’s likely to be years away from becoming a cancer.
If the changes are high grade, there’s a greater chance that the lesion may develop into cancer much sooner. Additional diagnostic testing is necessary.
Atypical glandular cells.Glandular cells produce mucus and grow in the opening of your cervix and within your uterus. Atypical glandular cells may appear to be slightly abnormal, but it’s unclear whether they’re cancerous.
Further testing is needed to determine the source of the abnormal cells and their significance.
Squamous cell cancer or adenocarcinoma cells.This result means the cells collected for the Pap smear appear so abnormal that the pathologist is almost certain a cancer is present.
“Squamous cell cancer” refers to cancers arising in the flat surface cells of the vagina or cervix. “Adenocarcinoma” refers to cancers arising in glandular cells. If such cells are found, your doctor will recommend prompt evaluation.
List conditions that need one to do a pap smear
A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells
Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
HIV infection
Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use
A history of smoking
HPV
