What Is Pap Smear Test?

Brief Answer: Used to test cervical lesions Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Welcome to health care magic. Pap test is a test to detect any abnormalities in the cervix, especially conditions that may later develop into cancer. There are few cancers that can be detected even before stage one, that is while they are still forming and have not spread. One of them is cancer of the cervix. Other conditions like infections due to human papilloma virus [HPV], or inflammations of the cervix can also be detected by this test. In this test, cells are collected form the cervix by brushing it with a simple special instrument called a spatula [similar to an ice cream stick] or a brush. They are then stained and examined under a microscope by a cytologist who is an expert in this domain for any abnormalities. The result is then graded according to the type of lesion and treatment is decided based on this result. Direct examination of the cells helps to detect precancerous changes or infection or even the hormonal stage of the female meaning if she is having estrogen phase of the menstrual cycle or ovulation has occurred and she is now in the second half of the cycle. So this test has many uses. Let me inform you that it is not 100% sensitive for cancers, meaning that it will not detect all cancers but it detects most of them and is very easy to perform. So this makes it an ideal screening test to detect cervical lesions. The frequency of screening depends upon the result of the first screen result. Hope I was able to satisfy your query . Thanks for using Health Care Magic. I would be happy to answer any further queries. Have a nice day. Dr. Madhuri Bagde Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist

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Brief Answer: It will help against some types of HPV Detailed Answer: Thanks for the query, Commonest cause of cervical abnormalities and cancer cervix is the human papilloma virus {HPV}. There are many types of HPV. The cervical cancer vaccine is a vaccine that prevents infection against some but not all types of HPV. So it will decrease infection from a few types and decrease the risk of cancer but not it will not be 100%. The best way to prevent it is practice monogamy and use condoms. The vaccine acts best before beginning of active sexual life. It means that the person has not been already exposed to the HPV against which the vaccine was protecting. Once an HPV infection has occurred the vaccine will not help if given after that. Hope this satisfies your query, Thanks once again. Dr Madhuri

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