En Español (Spanish Version)
Definition
A diagnostic
test of a sample of cells from the surface
of a woman's cervix to check for
abnormalities that can develop into cancer
Parts of the Body Involved
- Vagina
- Cervix (the
lower, narrow end of a woman's uterus)
Reasons for Procedure
To check
cervical cells for:
- Changes or
abnormalities
(cervical dysplasia) that could
develop into cancer
- Infection
or inflammation of the cervix
Cervical cancer develops relatively
slowly, so abnormalities detected early can
be treated before cancer develops.
Risk Factors for Complications During the
Procedure: None
What to Expect Prior to Procedure:
- Do not
schedule the Pap test during your
menstrual period; if possible,
schedule it two weeks after the
first day of your period.
- Do not
use vaginal creams, medications, or
douches for 72 hours before the
test.
- Do not
use contraceptives such as
spermicidal foams, creams, or
jellies for 72 hours before the
test.
- Do not
have intercourse for 24 hours before
the test.
Tell your
doctor if you:
- Are
having your period
- Are
pregnant
- Had a
previous Pap test showing
abnormalities
- Are
sexually active
- Have
been exposed to
HPV or other
sexually-transmitted diseases
- Have
had abnormal vaginal discharges or
vaginal infections
- Have
had surgery,
radiation treatment, or
chemotherapy
- Are
taking birth control pills, hormone
pills, or using hormone cream
During Procedure
A Pap test
is typically done as part of a pelvic
exam.
Anesthesia
There is no
anesthesia associated with this
procedure.
Description of the Procedure
You lie on
your back on an examination table, with
legs spread and feet placed in foot
rests. A medical instrument, called a
speculum, is gently inserted into the
vagina, and opened so that the doctor
can take a sample from the cervix. A
wooden swab, brush, or stick is inserted
into the vagina and used to wipe the
walls of the cervix to retrieve cervical
cells. The speculum is removed, and the
cervical cells are placed in a
fluid-filled bottle, or on a glass
microscope slide and sent to a
laboratory for testing and evaluation.
After Procedure:
After the
speculum is removed, a pelvic exam is
done. For this exam, the doctor checks
the uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes,
rectum, and bladder for irregularities.
How Long Will It Take?:
The pelvic
exam takes less than five minutes; the
Pap test portion takes less than two
minutes.
Will It Hurt?:
A Pap test
is generally painless, although you may
feel some pressure or a small cramp when
the cervix is wiped to acquire cells for
examination.
Possible Complications:
There are no
known complications.
Average Hospital Stay:
None...a Pap
test is done at your doctor's office as
part of a pelvic exam.
Outcome
Results of your
Pap test are sent to your doctor within 2 to
3 weeks. Your doctor will then inform you of
the results, and, if necessary, discuss any
follow-up testing or treatment:
- If cells
are normal, no treatment is necessary.
Have another Pap test with your next
yearly pelvic exam.
- If an
infection is found, treatment will be
prescribed.
- If
abnormalities are found, further
tests
will be performed. Once the cause of the
abnormality is determined, your doctor
will discuss treatment options with you.
Further tests include:
-
Colposcopy —examination of the
vagina and cervix with an endoscope,
a fiberoptic tube attached to a
viewing device
-
Biopsy —removal of a small
amount of cervical tissue for
further testing
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following
Occurs
- Signs of
infection, including fever and chills
- Vaginal
bleeding between menstrual periods or
after
menopause
- Bleeding
after intercourse
- Foul
vaginal odor, pain, or unusual vaginal
discharge
- Severe
abdominal pain or swelling
RESOURCES:
American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists
www.acog.org
National Women's Health Information Center
www.4woman.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Women's Health Matters
www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm