A Pap smear or Pap test or Cervical smear test is conducted as part of a woman’s routine health examination, after the age of 21 years. It is not a diagnostic test, but is a screening tool used to detect any abnormal cells in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Pap smears help in the early detection of any serious medical conditions, such as cervical cancer. An abnormal Pap smear may indicate the presence of infection or abnormal cells called dysplasia. Cervical dysplasia is abnormal cell growth on the surface of the cervix. An abnormal Pap smear may not necessarily indicate cancer. These results highlight the requirement of further testing to identify and confirm an underlying problem.
An abnormal pap smear may indicate any of the following, besides dysplasia (abnormal cells):
Usually abnormal cells do not produce any symptoms. Moreover, even the presence of HPV in an abnormal Pap smear is asymptomatic. Therefore, a regular Pap smear is beneficial in the early detection of any abnormalities.
Following an abnormal Pap smear, the next step is further testing to confirm the cause of the abnormal cells. A repeat Pap smear or test for human papilloma virus (HPV), a major risk factor for cervical cancer, may also be recommended.
Depending on the age of the patient and the type of abnormal cells, the doctor may recommend the following treatment options:
Cryosurgery: This procedure involves freezing the abnormal cells, which are then surgically removed.
Cone biopsy or LEEP procedure: In this procedure, a small segment of cervical tissue including abnormal cells is removed by specially designed instruments for evaluation.
