Pap Test (Papanicolaou Smear)

What Is It?

The Pap test (Papanicolaou smear) is an examination that is used to detect cervical cancer and precancerous conditions of the cervix. If a Pap test detects a precancerous condition (a change on the surface of the cervix that can lead to cancer), your doctor can treat or remove the abnormal tissue. If a Pap test detects cervical cancer in its early stages, it may be possible to treat your cancer before it has a chance to spread.

In almost cases, cancer or precancerous changes on the surface of the cervix are caused by an infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Some types of HPV cause genital warts, and some types can cause cancer. Most people who are infected with HPV do not have symptoms, but they can spread the virus to others. HPV is spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

A new test called the HPV DNA test has recently become available. Some laboratories use this test when they process a Pap test sample. Previously, cells were inspected under a microscope by hand or with a machine to see if they appeared abnormal. The new HPV DNA test is a chemical test that can detect HPV particles. This chemical test is used in addition to the sample being viewed under a microscope for cell abnormalities.

The HPV DNA test has shown researchers how common this virus really is. Between 20 percent and 40 percent of sexually active teenagers test positive for recent HPV exposure, and about 40 percent of sexually active women between the ages of 20 and 29 have had a positive test result. Because HPV is such a common virus, many sexually active women will have at least one positive Pap test result in their lives.

The Pap test is done during a pelvic examination. Cells are gently scraped from the cervix and are sent to a laboratory for evaluation. Collecting the cells takes only a few moments, but is usually part of a complete gynecological examination that may last between 10 and 20 minutes.

Some doctors now include a close examination of the cervix under blue-white light and through a magnifying glass. This test is called speculoscopy, and is also known as the PapSure test. As of today, most doctors do not use speculoscopy, partly because a large percentage of the abnormalities that this test can identify are later shown to be harmless. It is not clear at this point that the benefit of speculoscopy is worth the additional expense, inconvenience and complications from follow-up procedures.

What It's Used For

The Pap test is an important screening procedure for cervical cancer. It is used primarily to detect abnormal, precancerous changes that may develop into cervical cancer unless treated. In some cases, the Pap test also will detect cancerous (malignant) cells before cervical cancer becomes visible to the naked eye, and before cancer has spread beyond a localized area.

Doctors usually recommend that a woman start having annual Pap tests when she becomes sexually active or by the age of 21 at the latest. After three negative Pap tests at least one year apart, your doctor may recommend the test every two to three years, depending on your age and your risk of cervical cancer. More frequent Pap tests (more than once a year) may be recommended for women who have a higher risk of cervical cancer because of:

• A history of sexual intercourse at an early age
• Multiple sex partners
• Smoking
• A history of infection with certain human papillomaviruses

Preparation

If possible, arrange to schedule your Pap test for the middle of your menstrual cycle (around days 15 to 20), and avoid douching for at least three days before your test date. If you are using contraceptive foam or jelly, it is preferable for you to switch to a different form of birth control or abstain from sex for a few days before your Pap test. Some women have mild irritation of the cervix after using a spermicide, and this could affect test results.

How It's Done

The Pap test is done by your doctor during a gynecological (pelvic) examination. You will probably be asked to remove all your clothing and be given a robe or gown to wear. You will also be given a cloth drape to cover your lower torso. Next, you will be asked to lie on your back on the examination table with your legs spread, feet sitting on rests and your knees bent. Your doctor will insert a lubricated instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold the vaginal walls open.

After looking at your cervix and vagina to check for any visible problems, your doctor will gently scrape the surface of your cervix with a small spatula to collect a sample of cells from the outside of the cervix. Your doctor also will use a small brush to collect cells from the inside of the cervix. These samples will be placed on a special slide to be sent to the laboratory.

Some doctors use a different technique, called ThinPrep, in which the cells are suspended in liquid. In this case, the slides are prepared in the laboratory from the liquid.

Follow-Up

You may notice a little spotting after the cells are collected, so you may choose to use a panty liner (thin sanitary pad) for a day. Your doctor will let you know when to call for your results or when to expect a call from the office.

Risks

The Pap test is a safe procedure.

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor if you experience discomfort, bleeding for more than a day, or if you have unusual vaginal discharge after your gynecological exam.

Additional Info

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

U.S. National Institutes of Health

Public Inquiries Office

Building 31, Room 10A03

31 Center Drive, MSC 8322

Bethesda, MD 20892-2580

Phone: 301-435-3848

Toll-Free: 1-800-422-6237

TTY: 1-800-332-8615

Email: cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov

http://www.nci.nih.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1600 Clifton Road

Atlanta, GA 30333

Phone: 404-639-3534

Toll-Free: 1-800-311-3435

http://www.cdc.gov/