Cervical Screening

Cervical screening, also known as a Pap test or smear test, is a medical procedure used to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system.

Purpose

The primary purpose of cervical screening is to identify precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix before they develop into invasive cancer. The test can help detect abnormal cell changes, known as dysplasia, which can be treated before they become malignant.

Procedure

The cervical screening procedure typically involves the following steps:

• A woman lies on an examination table and places her feet in stirrups.
• A healthcare provider inserts a speculum into the vagina to hold it open and allow access to the cervix.
• A spatula and/or brush are used to collect cell samples from the cervix.
• The cell samples are then placed in a liquid solution or smeared onto a glass slide.
• The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope.

Types of Cervical Screening Tests

There are two main types of cervical screening tests:

• Pap test (Papanicolaou test): This is the traditional method of cervical screening, which involves examining cells under a microscope to detect abnormal cell changes.
• HPV test (Human Papillomavirus test): This test detects the presence of high-risk types of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. The HPV test can be used alone or in combination with the Pap test.

Results and Follow-up

The results of a cervical screening test can be:

• Normal: No abnormal cell changes were detected.
• Abnormal: Abnormal cell changes were detected, which may require further testing or treatment.
• Inadequate: The sample was not sufficient for analysis, and a repeat test may be necessary.

If the results are abnormal, a healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a colposcopy or biopsy, to determine the cause of the abnormal cell changes.

Risk Factors and Recommendations

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer, including:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Smoking
• Weakened immune system
• Family history of cervical cancer

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women between the ages of 21 and 29 have a Pap test every 3 years, while women between the ages of 30 and 65 have a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years or a Pap test alone every 3 years.