Pap Smear Test For Cervical Cancer In Punjab
Cervical cancer timely treatment is possible when you undergo regular tests to determine the problem. To find out if you have cervical cancer or not, the Pap Smear Test in Ludhiana at Gynae & Uro Clinic gives you the perfect testing environment where the test is performed under the expertise of medical professionals. Undergoing the Pap Smear Test helps check if you have any signs of cancer or pre-cancer. Dr. Gursimran Kaur will perform the necessary test and suspect if something is wrong. Depending on the test results, the doctor plan the next step.
When should I start getting a Pap Smear test?
When you consult one of the best gynecologists in Punjab, they will determine how often and what’s the right for you to get a pap smear test. Generally, it’s suggested to get the Pap smear at 21.
How often should I get a pap smear test for cervical cancer diagnosis?
The given below table gives a better representation of when you need to get a pap smear test and how often:
| Age | Pap smear frequency |
| <21 years old | Not required |
| 21 to 29 | Every 3 years |
| 30 to 65 | Every 3 years or Pap test and HPV test together every 5 years |
| 65 and Older | Pap smear of previous 3 pap smear test is not needed, talk to the doctor about the same. |
The procedure of Pap Smear Test for cervical cancer
How to prepare for a pap smear test?
To ensure your pap smear test goes smoothly, follow all necessary advice of your gynae in Ludhiana. Some of the essential measures you need to take are:
- Do not get involved in intercourse for two days before the test
- Don’t douche or use vaginal medicine
- You shouldn’t schedule your pap smear test during your menstrual cycle. Discuss with your doctor about the right time.
How is the pap smear test performed?
The pap smear test takes around a few minutes. Here are the possible steps that you need to follow:
- You need to undress from the waist down and lie down in the back on a table. At this point, your knees are bent, and your heels are resting on stirrups.
- Then doctors put a speculum into the vagina to hold it apart and see the cervix. You might feel some sensation of pressure in the pelvic area.
- The doctor takes a cervix cell sample to analyze it further. The cells are scraped through a device called a spatula. Although, it won’t cause any pain.
What happens after the pap smear test?
You can continue with your typical day and life following the pap smear test. There are not any such restrictions that you need to follow after the surgery.
On the other end, the doctor performs further steps to check for the results. The sample is sent to the lab to analyze it correctly and check for test results to see if something is wrong.
Cervical Screening Pap Smear Test Results
The pap smear test results are normal, unclear, or abnormal. Let me help you better understand all these three categories:
- Normal pap smear test results: It comes out as NEGATIVE. No changes were found in cervix cells. But, that does not mean you need to stop getting the test. You need to get the pap smear test screening every three years or as told by the doctor.
- Unclear (ASC-US): The doctor defines an unclear pap smear test as inconclusive or ASC-US. Sometimes the change in the cervix can be due to menopause, infection, or pregnancy. The doctor will guide you better on what you should do.
- Abnormal: Abnormal means cell changes are present in the cervix. It does not mean you have cervical cancer, as sometimes the change can happen due to HPV. The critical part is getting cancer removed. Otherwise, it will worsen the situation in the future. Just make sure to get the diagnosis of cervical cancer on time, as it’s much easier to treat and get your condition back to normal.
Risk factors that require frequent Pap Smear test
Ideally, the pap smear test for cervical cancer screening in Ludhiana a women should every three years b/w the age of 21 to 65. Doctors consider a few risk factors and inform you about the more-frequent need for pap smears. No matter what’s your age, if the given risk factors demand, then you need to consult the doctor:
- Cervical cancer diagnosis
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
- HIV infection
- Smoking in the past or present
- Weak immune system because of undergoing chemotherapy or having a chronic health issue
Make sure to better understand everything once you have consulted the medical expert.
FAQs
Are there any conditions when you need to stop Pap Smear?
There are a few specific situations that demands you to stop getting pap test like:
- Following total hysterectomy: A total hysterectomy removes the entire uterus and cervix. So, consult the doctor if there’s a need for pap smears.If the hysterectomy is performed because of a non-cancerous condition, stop routine pap smear. For a better understanding of everything, do consult a medical expert.
- Older age: You need to stop getting a pap smear test if your age is above 65. Additionally, when your previous cervical cancer test came out as unfavorable. It’s worth considering all the possible options with your doctor and understanding if your condition demands getting the pap smear test frequently or not.
