I thought this test was to detect cervical cancer. If one has had a hysterectomy there is no cervix.???
2007-03-20 15:51:05 · 10 answers · asked by reddemonwi55 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
No cervix, no uterus, no ovaries..nothing.
2007-03-20 15:59:11 · update #1
I have no cervix but still have pap smears. Dr said you can still get cancer on the "walls." Less likely but still possible.
2007-03-20 15:54:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you had a hysterectomy in which your cervix was removed in addition to your uterus, and your doctor continues to perform "pap" smears, he/she is only doing "vaginal vault" smears -- taking a sample from the uppermost portion of the vagina, where the cervix would be.
It is a controversial topic -- whether or not women without their cervix still need "pap" smears after a hysterctomy. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy (including removal of the cervix) and was confused about the differing opinions of doctors as to whether or not I needed "pap" smears.
I called the BC Cancer Agency (my provincal authority on the matter) and asked for their guidelines, and they told me that I no longer needed "pap" smears or "vaginal vault" smears IF my doctor was performing regular (every 1-2 years) pelvic exams.
I suggest you contact your local cancer authority and ask for their recommendations regarding "pap" smears for women who've had hysterectomies.
2007-03-20 23:03:43 · answer #2 · answered by purpledents 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's more than one kind of hysterectomy. Some leave the cervix and vagina intact. Since the cervix intact, there are still cervical cells that can become cancerous.
2007-03-20 22:56:17 · answer #3 · answered by Ralph S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
While the doc is not brushing the cervix in a patient without a cervix, the doc can still do a scraping of the vaginal wall to check for risks of vaginal cancer.
2007-03-20 23:00:58 · answer #4 · answered by alleyshax 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"It depends on what type of hysterectomy you've had. If you've had your uterus and cervix removed (vaginal hysterectomy) for a noncancerous condition, you usually don't need Pap smears. However, if you've had your uterus removed but your cervix remains intact (abdominal hysterectomy), you still need regular Pap smears. In either case, regular pelvic exams and mammograms are recommended."
2007-03-20 22:55:03 · answer #5 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it is still necessary. My hysterectomy was in my early 20's and had that
done up until a few years ago. It can detect all kinds of problems before they
get out of hand. Be thankful that your Dr. is doing it. : { Not much fun, eh??
2007-03-20 22:55:07 · answer #6 · answered by Garnet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PAP smear tests for human papaloma virus a.k.a. warts or cervical cancer (two types). wouldn't you want to know if you have warts?It could also have just been a partial hysterectomy and they need to test the remaining tissue.
2007-03-20 22:57:53 · answer #7 · answered by mckenzd0313 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the type of hysterectomy you had done. Complete, partial, oomphorectomy (just ovaries). Are you sure you don't have an uterus???
2007-03-20 22:54:48 · answer #8 · answered by nursegrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure your doc is not doing it because he/she likes to. I can't imagine why you would ask here instead of asking him/her.
2007-03-20 23:04:31 · answer #9 · answered by vinny_the_hack 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I suspect the doctor "just needed something to do".
2007-03-20 22:55:48 · answer #10 · answered by dad 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋