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Pap Smear: How It Helps In Genital Warts Diagnosis
Pap smear is just one of the tests for cervical cancer. It is also considered important in genital warts diagnosis. Frequency of tests varies depending on the organization handling the procedure.
Pap Smear is used to detect and prevent cervical and other cytologic diseases of the female reproductive organ. It is a medical procedure where sample cells are taken from a woman’s cervix and immediately smeared in a microscope slide. The slide is studied under a microscope to determine abnormal cells.
Pap smear aims to detect pre-malignant cells that are caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses. Aside from helping in genital warts diagnosis, it is vital in all other HPVs in women. If the patient already has cancer, it also determines malignant changes. However, Pap smear is not used to determine other cancers of the female reproductive system such as the ovary, uterus or vagina.
Who should get Pap smear?
Pap smear is recommended for women who had sex. Some are advised to get into the procedure annually or every five years. If abnormal results occur, a repeat test is advised in three to twelve months. Some patients are advised to have a more detailed inspection of the cervix through colposcopy if an abnormal result needs closer or more intent details. They may also be referred to DNA HPV testing which is also an adjunct to Pap testing.
Pap smear is also done on pregnant women. It is relatively safe and does not affect the fetus nor the mother’s condition. It is not intended for women who have had hysterectomy for benign conditions. However, women who had subtotal hysterectomy should continue Pap smear screening.
Pap smear screening guidelines
Different medical organizations have different screening guidelines. Take a look at the following organizations:
• The American Cancer Society recommends starting Pap smear screening tests three years after having vaginal intercourse or no later than age 21. It should be done annually or every two years if the liquid-based kit is used. For women who are more than 30 years old and had three normal tests in a row, screening every 2 or 3 years is advised. Women who had total hysterectomy for benign disease can stop having Pap smear. Women over 70 years old who have at least three normal Pap smear results without any abnormal result can also stop having Pap smears.
• The United States Preventive Services Task Force requires women to have a Pap smear within 3 years of the onset sexual activity or age 21 whichever came first. Frequency of test should be at least every three years because there has been no evidence that every year is better than every three years. Women over 65 years old are not recommended to have a Pap smear as long as adequate screening tests had been done with normal results and she is not at risk for developing cervical cancer.
• The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology like the US Preventive Services Task Force also recommends women to have Pap smear within 3 years of the onset of sexual activity. Annual Pap smears are recommended until the age of 30. If three normal results are present at the age of 30, Pap smears are recommended every two or three years.
Depending on your doctor, your individual case and risks for cervical cancer, frequency of Pap smear may differ. Consulting your physician and asking for his advice is always important. Do not refuse undergoing the procedure because it will be beneficial for you.
Tags: cervical cancer, colposcopy, genital warts, genital warts diagnosis, HPVs, pap smear
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