Is a Pap smear the same as a cervical cancer screening?

The new cervical screening test procedure is similar to a Pap smear test. For both tests a doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix. However, the Pap smear test used to look for abnormal cells in the cervix, while the cervical screening test looks for HPV infection.

Can a Pap smear diagnose cervical cancer?

The Pap test and HPV test are screening tests, not diagnostic tests. They cannot tell for certain if you have cervical cancer. An abnormal Pap test or HPV test result may mean more testing is needed to see if a cancer or a pre-cancer is present.

What is the most common screening test to detect cervical cancer?

The Pap test has been the most common test for early changes in cells that can lead to cervical cancer. This test is also called a Pap smear. A Pap test involves gathering a sample of cells from the cervix. It is often done at the same time as a bimanual pelvic exam as part of a gynecologic checkup.

When should we do Pap smear?

Women should start Pap smear screening at age 21. Between the ages of 21-29, women whose Pap smears are normal only need it repeated every three years. Women ages 30 and over should have testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) with their Pap smear. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer.

What does a positive Pap smear mean?

If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

How accurate are Pap smears in detecting cervical cancer?

The sensitivity of Pap smear is <70% in many studies. Therefore, Pap smear might not be an appropriate test for the diagnosis of cervical precancerous lesions. Consequently, some cases of cervical dysplasia might unknown evolve to cervical cancer, especially when this method has been used for screening.

How can you detect cervical cancer?

The best way to find cervical cancer early is to have regular screening tests. The tests for cervical cancer screening are the HPV test and the Pap test. These tests can be done alone or at the same time (called a co-test).

Why do I need a colposcopy if my Pap is normal?

More severe changes aren’t likely to occur during a short period of watchful waiting. If you’re not comfortable waiting, you may decide to have colposcopy. This test allows your doctor to take a closer look at the abnormal cells and find out if treatment is needed. Minor cell changes may be caused by HPV infection.

What are the results of a Pap smear?

Pap Smear Results They’ll come back either negative (normal) or positive (abnormal). A negative result is a good thing. That means your doctor didn’t find any precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. You won’t need another Pap until you’re due for your next scheduled one.

Is negative Pap smear good?

A normal (or “negative”) result means that no cell changes were found on your cervix. This is good news. But you still need to get Pap tests in the future. New cell changes can still form on your cervix.

What infections can a Pap smear detect?

A Pap test can detect certain viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to cause cervical cancer. Early treatment of precancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) detected on the Pap smear can stop cervical cancer before it fully develops.