Pap Smear Test and Information
Pap Smear Test and Information
Pap Smear Test and Information
Index S.No Title 1 Pap smear test The process to detect and address Cervical Cancer 2 Cervical Smear Test End to Womans suffering 3 Cervical Cancer Information Women Care Pg.No 3 4 5
1. Pap smear test The process to detect and address Cervical Cancer
Generally cancers are formed from oncogenic cells. These are the cells that are affected by oncogenes; genes that stimulate uncontrollable cell division leading to formation of tumors. When such a tumor occurs in the cervix of a womans body, it causes cervical cancer and the Pap smear test is the test which is used to detect and confirm this. The cervix is the area near the uterus of the female anatomy. The anatomical opening connecting to the cervix is the vagina. For the examination of the area during the Pap smear testing, the examiner will insert an instrument called the speculum into the vagina. Unlike other similar devices, the speculum is used to enable direct vision. Once the cervix is visible, the manual procedure of cleansing the cervix with a cotton swab is carried out. A sample of cells are then collected and studied under the microscope.
Pap smear testing can be carried out on a regular basis to check for any kind of abnormality. Getting tested in primary stages even before the development of cancer can help treatment greatly. It is advised that women should take their first pap smear test at 21 years of age or soon after they start indulging sexual intercourses. Women aged between 18 and 65 years are also encouraged to regularly get tested In a healthy body the cells will have regular structure and functioning. But abnormalities may cause irritation, inflammation and discomfort in the genital regions. In case of benign swellings, treatment may include removal of the cervix. The procedure is called Hysterectomy. However, this may not be needed for all abnormal growths or lumps as in the case of subtotal hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed but the cervix is left intact. In such case, regular taking the Pap smear test becomes inevitable. The American Cancer Society advocates that the examination should be carried out after 3 years of intercourse and regularly after every 2 to 3 years for women above the age of 30. Further, they recommend cessation of the testing only after 70 years of age or incase of total Hysterectomy as discussed above. However, different organizations promote different norms, but it is necessary for women of our country to
stay updated plus informed. The internet is one great platform for the same. There are many medical videos, articles, papers, websites, forums, etc which can help us protect ourselves and live a healthy life.
2.
The smear test checks the signs for cancer of the cervix, a part of the uterus (also known as neck of the womb) by looking out for any abnormality or signs of changing cells for pre-cancerous conditions. As there is ignorance prevailing about the precancerous conditions and Pap smear testing, many women suffer silently, unaware about all the involvements. The cervix does not play a role in a non-pregnant women but it helps to maintain pregnancy. The cervical smear test should be done regularly to detect any changes in the cells before it becomes cancerous. Sometimes, it may take years to detect these changes and women find it an ordeal to cope with the anxiety. Early diagnosis and treatment in precancerous cells can prevent cancer. The test detects early changes in the squamous cells rather then adenocarcinoma. The treatment of early stage of cancer growth may be treated with surgery or radiotherapy. The cervical cancer may be diagnosed by a biopsy of the cervix. The internal examination is called a colposcopy. The severity also decides the mode of treatment for instance, a radical hysterectomy. There are no definite causes for cervical cancer but factors like smoking and viral infection of the cervix are said to increase the risk. The procedure for pap smear testing involves insertion of a special instrument known as speculum, for opening the vagina and collecting sample cells to be checked microscopically. The detailed videos of the test can be seen with the help of top medical videos. It is advisable to start the pap smear tests at the age of 21 when sex activity starts. Regular tests should be taken by women between the ages of 18 to 65.
Not all abnormal results mean symptoms of cervical cancer. It may just imply some changes in the cells of the cervix and this precancerous condition is fully treatable with early diagnosis and action. The abnormalities in the result may be irritation, inflammation or abnormal cells. With the introduction of smear test, the number of women dying of cervical cancer has decreased drastically. It is said that regular Pap smear screening can reduce the cancer incidence by 80% and this only speaks about the importance of regularity of smear test and its follow-up.
Cervical cancer treatment is the most effective when it is detected in early stages and it involves surgical procedures like removal of uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes, radiation or chemotherapy.
Reference:
Pap Smear Test: - http://docturs.com/dd/pg/groups/2392/cervical-smear-test-pap-test/
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