Papanicolaou Smear

A Pap smear is a routine screening procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix to check for abnormalities or infections, primarily used to detect cervical cancer and precancerous changes.

• Cancer screening: Detects abnormal cells that may eventually become cancerous.
• Early intervention: When abnormal cells are found, early treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
• Prevention of HPV-related cancers: Since HPV infection is a major cause of cervical cancer, this test helps identify the infection.

• Women aged 21 to 65 should have a Pap smear every 3 years.
• Women over 30 may opt for a combination of a Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years.
• Women with a history of abnormal Pap tests, a weakened immune system, or those with sexual risk factors.

The Pap smear is generally considered safe and minimally invasive. If abnormal cells are detected, further testing (e.g., colposcopy, biopsy) may be required to evaluate the extent of the abnormality.