The Pap smear is a screening tool that detects abnormal changes to cervical cells. This plays a key role in preventing cervical cancer and detecting it at the earliest stages if it does develop. As with most types of cancers, early detection can mean the difference between successful treatment and death from cervical cancer.
Since women began getting routine Pap smears, deaths from cervical cancer in the United States have dropped significantly. Here at Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, Massachusetts, our expert team offers women's health services, including Pap smears.
A Pap smear is the most effective tool for detecting and preventing cervical cancer.
Here’s what our team wants every woman to know about this essential screening.
A Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to detect abnormalities. The goal is to check for cellular changes that are likely to develop into cancer and detect cancerous cells. Routine screenings mean your gynecologist can catch abnormal cells early on before they have the opportunity to turn into cancer.
Pap smears are quick, and while they can be uncomfortable, they are painless. During a Pap smear, your provider opens the cervix with a speculum and gently scrapes away cells to send to a lab for examination. The sample is sent to a laboratory where it will be examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal or precancerous cells. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes before you’re on your way and back to your regular day.
Cervical cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, this makes Pap smears crucial. As it advances, symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, or an abnormal vaginal discharge are typical. Once cervical cancer advances by spreading to other tissues, the chance of successful treatment declines. When detected at its early stages, the 5-year survival rate of cervical cancer is over 90%.
Don’t panic if you receive abnormal test results. Most abnormal test results are not cancer. They mean that changes to cervical cells may require further investigation.
Abnormalities can range from minor changes, which may be due to infections or inflammation, to more significant changes which might point to precancerous conditions. Depending on the degree of abnormality, your provider may recommend a repeat Pap test in a few months to monitor any changes (wait and see approach), or may recommend more specific diagnostic tests.
Colposcopy is a common follow-up procedure. During a colposcopy, your provider uses a special microscope called a colposcope to closely examine the cervix. If any suspicious areas are identified, your provider may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for further laboratory analysis.
Other potential follow-ups might include an HPV test to check for the presence of high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer. Your Bethel provider will discuss the most appropriate next steps should you receive abnormal pap results.
The Pap test has played a major role in reducing the number of women dying from cervical cancer. A few minutes to have a Pap test can mean a lifetime of difference. To book your Pap smear, call our office today. You can also email us through our website.
