Medical College of Georgia
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Pap Smear
The Pap smear is a simple procedure that is used primarily to detect pre-cancerous cells being shed from the cervix. It is also helpful in the detection of abnormal cells from other causes. If you are sexually active, regardless of age, you should have a Pap smear at least once a year. If you are not sexually active, you should have your first pap by age 20 and then yearly. The Pap Smear Examination Having a pap smear is a relatively simple procedure. The cervix is visually examined by your physician or clinician, using an instrument called a speculum. The surface of the cervix is gently skimmed with a spatula and a tiny brush. The cells are then smeared on a glass slide and sent to a laboratory for analysis. It is important not to use douches, vaginal creams, medication or have intercourse within 48 hours prior to your pelvic exam. These can distort the appearance of the cells to be studied in the pap. Results Most Pap smears are normal. This means that all the cells appear healthy. An abnormal Pap smear means that the cells appear different, but are not necessarily harmful. An abnormal Pap may result from infection by bacteria, viruses, or from unknown causes. Sometimes abnormal Pap smears are associated with STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). If your Pap smear was not normal, it could indicate a premalignant condition. Further investigation would be needed to determine the appropriate course of action. This could require a repeat pap smear or the use of a colposcope. A colposcope is merely a binocular microscope designed to assist in locating abnormal cells on the cervix. If an abnormal area is discovered, a pinch of tissue must be taken and examined. This is called a "pinch biopsy." The result of the pinch biopsy will help your doctor determine whether treatment is necessary. Treating Abnormal Pap Smears The usual treatment for an abnormal Pap smear is called "cryotherapy," which simply means to freeze. The area from which the unhealthy cells were found is frozen. The frozen tissue is sloughed off by the body and new, healthy tissue will then grow in its place. During this process, a heavy, watery discharge may occur for approximately two weeks. Your clinician will probably recommend increasing your intake of water and potassium rich foods during this time. Have a follow-up pap smear 4-6 months after cryotherapy. | |
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