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Top Pap Smear Hospitals in Dhakuria

Pap Smear

Pap Smear in Dhakuria, West Bengal

A treatment in which a tiny brush is used to gently extract cells from the cervix's surface and surrounding area so that they can be examined under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell alterations that could lead to cervical cancer. A Pap smear can also detect other problems, like infections or inflammation. It is typically performed concurrently with a pelvic exam and may include a test for specific forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The Pap test is also known as the Papanicolaou test. These tests can be performed in a physician's office or clinic. During the Pap test, the doctor will examine your vagina using a piece of plastic or metal equipment known as a speculum. This allows the doctor to check the vagina and cervix while also collecting a few cells and mucus from the cervix and surrounding area. The cells are delivered to a lab. You should begin obtaining Pap tests at the age of 21. If your Pap test results are normal, your doctor may recommend that you wait three years until you get another Pap test. Manipal Hospitals is the top Pap Smear Hospitals in Dhakuria.

FAQ's

Cervical cancer screening involves testing to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could potentially develop into cancer. The two main types of cervical cancer screening are:

  • Pap Smear (Pap Test): This test collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities that may indicate precancerous or cancerous conditions.

  • HPV Test: This test detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause cervical cell changes and lead to cervical cancer.

Regular cervical cancer screening helps in early detection and treatment, significantly reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.
 

High-grade alterations in cervical cells typically develop into cancer after 3 to 7 years. Cervical cancer screening may detect these alterations before they develop into malignancies. Women with low-grade alterations may be checked more frequently to evaluate if their cells return to normal. Women with high-grade alterations can receive treatment to have the cells eliminated.
 

A Pap test, combined with a pelvic exam, is a crucial part of routine healthcare. It can detect abnormal cells that may lead to cancer, helping to catch most cervical cancers early when they are more treatable. Regular Pap tests and pelvic exams allow your doctor to identify and address issues promptly. The Pap test is useful for finding precancerous cells and inflammation in the vagina and cervical regions, in addition to diagnosing malignant cells. The likelihood of a favourable outcome from treatment is greatly increased with early identification.
Your doctor may use a Pap test to identify the following issues, such as

  • Precancerous changes in cervical cells

  • Cervical cancer

  • Infections and inflammation of the cervix

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

  • Other abnormalities in cervical cells

Your healthcare professional may do an HPV test alongside a Pap test. HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer in people over the age of 30. 
 

Procedures may differ depending on the situation and your healthcare provider's methods. Generally, a Pap test follows this procedure: 

  • You will be requested to undress from the waist down and wear a hospital gown. 

  • You will lie on an examination table with your feet in spurs. 

  • Your healthcare practitioner will place a speculum in your genital area. This will spread the vaginal walls apart, revealing the cervix. 

  • Your doctor will use a small brush, swab, or spatula to carefully eliminate cells from the cervix and the back of the vagina. 

  • They will put the cells in a small container of liquid or smear them on a glass microscope slide.

  • If you require an HPV test, your provider will also collect a cell sample for this test. If you exhibit symptoms of a vaginal infection, your doctor may collect a sample of vaginal discharge for testing. 

  • Typically, your healthcare professional will perform a pelvic exam following the Pap test. 

  • Your provider will send the specimen to a laboratory for additional analysis.

You may rest for a few minutes following the treatment before returning home. 

  • Scraping the cervix may cause little bleeding. 

  • You may want to wear a sanitary pad in case of spotting. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have bleeding, foul-smelling leakage from your vagina, fever or chills, or severe abdominal ache. 

  • Pap test results often take a few days. Enquire with your doctor about how you will receive the results. Depending on your situation and complications, your healthcare professional will provide you with additional instructions following the surgery.

A Pap smear should not hurt; however, it may cause discomfort. You may suffer some minor bleeding thereafter, but there should be no pain or cramping. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or if the bleeding lasts more than 24 hours.
 

A normal (or "negative") test indicates that there were no cell alterations in your cervix. This is good news. However, you will still need to obtain Pap tests in the future. New cellular changes can still occur in your cervix. 
 

After the age of 65, it is advised that you can discontinue cervical cancer screenings if you have never had any positive test or abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer and have had two or three negative screening tests consecutively, depending on the type of test.
 

A Pap test is generally safe, but there are a few potential risks and considerations:

  • You might feel some discomfort or pressure during the procedure.

  • Some women experience minor spotting or light bleeding after the test.

  • The test might show abnormal cells when none are present (false positive) or miss abnormal cells (false negative).

  • There's a very slight risk of infection from the procedure.

  • Refrain from having sex the day before the test to prevent tissue inflammation.

After a Pap smear, it's generally recommended to:

  • Avoid Intercourse: Refrain from sexual activity for at least 24 hours to prevent irritation and infection.

  • Skip Douching: Do not douche, as it can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.

  • Hold Off on Tampons: Use sanitary pads instead of tampons for 24 hours if you experience spotting or light bleeding.

  • Avoid Vaginal Products: Refrain from using vaginal creams, sprays, or other products for 24 hours.

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