What can they detect in a pap. will it detect uteran cancer or anything like that is basicly my question
2006-10-29 16:16:42 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
the purpose of the Pap test is to detect Cancer cells present or not
2006-10-29 16:18:37 · answer #1 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Pap smear is a simple, quick, and essentially painless screening test.
Cells collected from a woman's cervix are spread on a microscope slide for examination.
The cells are evaluated for abnormalities, specifically pre- cancerous and cancerous changes.
Pap smears are recommended for all women starting at age 21 years or within 3 years of becoming sexually active, whichever comes first.
Most women over age 30 who have had reliable Pap screening with persistently normal results can be screened less often than yearly.
Pap smears should not be performed in women who have had a total hysterectomy for benign conditions and had prior normal Pap smears.
The Pap smear is read (analyzed) according to a uniform standardized system.
A recording of the woman's menstruation status and whether and when she had abnormal Pap smears previously, is essential to the reader of the current Pap smear.
New guidelines recommend that most women over 65-70 years old who have had regular Pap screening with negative results can stop having Pap tests, because abnormal Pap smears are very unusual in this setting.
Up to 80% of women diagnosed with invasive cancer of the cervix have not had a Pap smear in the past 5 years.
Cancer of the cervix is a preventable disease.
2006-10-29 16:26:50 · answer #2 · answered by cr3ater 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pap smear is where a few cells lining the cervix of the uterus are collected and placed on a laboratory slide. When looked at under a microscope, the laboratory can determine if the cells are normal, abnormal or cancerous. Usually, there will be changes in the cells long before cancer is diagnosed. That's one of the reasons it is important to have regualr PAP smears done. Often, if the cells are mildly abnormal, your medical provider will just have you come back in for another test in 6 months. One of the "newer" medical findings is that HPV (Human papillomavirus or 'genital warts') can lead to cervical cancer. Another reason why women should have regular exams.
2006-10-29 16:40:30 · answer #3 · answered by Sammymom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pap smear will not determine if you have Uterine/ Endometrial cancer, that would require different testing. A pap smear can detect abnormal cells on the cervix and even on the vagina if they do a vaginal cuff smear. Also, your doctor can ask that your smear be tested for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
2006-10-30 03:21:01 · answer #4 · answered by luv2lotto 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have a pap done. It detects "bad cells" which means they could be cancerous or just an inflamation or an std. You should always have it done. Even if you don't want to. !!!
2006-10-29 16:34:15 · answer #5 · answered by chrihutch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it should. that is why the test is pretty much done. They look to see if they can see anything and then the get some of the cell from inside to test for any signs of it and even a infection of any kind.
2006-10-29 16:28:01 · answer #6 · answered by shorty23_94536 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe papsmears are used to detect cervical cancer.
2006-10-29 16:18:40 · answer #7 · answered by robbet03 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, you got it. Cancer, yeast infections,much, much,more!! Once a year could save your life!!
2006-10-29 16:33:06 · answer #8 · answered by mdzevolveddammit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋