2007-09-21 22:14:37 · 6 answers · asked by Susan A 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
A pelvic exam is the entire procedure that goes on when the doctor is down there, whereas a pap smear is one of the test performed during a pelvic exam.
2007-09-21 22:36:45 · answer #1 · answered by aqx99 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pelvic exam is where the doctor may take a sample of your vaginal discharge to check for infection and then insert their one hand on the inside and another on the outside to check the uterus and ovaries for anything out of the ordinary with shape and size (this part with the two hands is part of the annual exam called a bimanual exam) as well as to make sure no masses such as cysts are growing.
The pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer where they take a special brush to insert in to the cervix to get some of the cells. These cells then get put on a slide that then gets sent to the lab for further analysis to make sure those cells don't have anything out of the ordinary with them.
2007-09-22 05:44:59 · answer #2 · answered by sokokl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a pelvic exam, the doctor may just visually look inside as well as insert a couple of fingers to feel for lumps, etc. A smear is used to collect samples to check under a microscope, usually for cancer.
2007-09-22 05:23:46 · answer #3 · answered by sonyvet2002 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
PELVIC EXAMINATION is a generic term referring to examination of pelvic region either clinically or by investigations like ultrasound, CT etc.
PAP SMEAR on other hand refers to gynaecological investigation where in microscopic examination of material obtained from cervix and vagina is done. It is a screening procedure for cervical cancer.
2007-09-22 05:21:46 · answer #4 · answered by sheenu 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are one in the same
2007-09-23 15:13:06 · answer #5 · answered by amaya7 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No Diff......
2007-09-22 05:19:16 · answer #6 · answered by ~~Lisa~~ 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋