PAP smear by LBC / Liquid Based Cytology
PAP smear by LBC / Liquid Based Cytology
A Pap test is commonly known as a Pap smear. This test identifies alterations in your cervical cells that show the potential development of cancer. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a new technique for preparing cervical samples for cytological analysis. As a result of this new intervention screening process, the incidence of cervical cancer will be lower.
Cervical cancer is a cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix (which connects the uterus and vagina). The majority of cervical cancers occur due to different strains of the sexually transmitted infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical screening (a smear test) evaluates the health of your cervix. Thus, getting your pap test is recommended for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer-related adverse events.
A pap smear is a screening procedure, which looks for cancerous cells in the cervix. Your doctor will remove cells from your cervix during a Pap test, which will then be evaluated in a lab to check for precancerous alterations. You can prevent cervical cancer from developing by early identification of abnormal cells using a Pap smear.
Pap smear is also known as Papanicolaou test, Pap smear test, vaginal smear technique, Pap smear: Pap test, cervical cytology
Symptoms of Cervical cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer include
Fatigue
Loss of weight
Difficulty in urination
Diarrhea
Blood in urine
swelling of legs
Pelvic pain
Rectal bleeding
Foul discharge from the vagina
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
Heavier menstrual periods
Who should get tested?
A Pap test is recommended to be performed frequently for women who are at a high risk of getting this cancer. The following factors can increase the risk:
Women over 50 years
Smoking
Weakened immune system
Having sex at an early age
Having multiple sex partners
History of HIV
History of sexually transmitted diseases
Having multiple children
Use of birth control pills
Test preparation:
Cervical cancer is extremely curable and less likely to progress if precancerous cells are detected early. Your healthcare professional performs a Pap test by using a brush to swab or scrape your cervix to collect cells. You will be asked to recline on an examination table with your feet in stirrups (like during a pelvic exam). Your vagina is treated with a speculum (this opens up your vagina). The cells are placed in a liquid and sent to a lab for analysis once the swab has been collected. Avoid sexual activity, douching, and the use of spermicidal foam or vaginal medications for two days before the test. Make sure not to collect samples when you are menstruating
Interpretation of results
Pap test:
· Normal results: If only normal cervical cells were detected during your Pap smear, you're considered to have a negative result. You won't require any additional care or testing until your subsequent pelvic exam and Pap smear are scheduled.
· Abnormal results: A positive result for your Pap smear means that abnormal or unusual cervical cells were found. Even if the test is positive, cervical cancer is not confirmed. Depending on the type of cells found in your test, a positive result may vary
FAQs
What is the significance of a Pap smear test?
It takes around 3 to 7 years for a normal cell to develop into a cancer cell. Pap smear screening helps in the early detection of precancerous cells before it progresses into cancer cells. Women who have mild abnormalities can get frequent testing to determine whether their cells returned to normalcy. For women who have advanced alterations, the screening will help to determine the type of treatment to be received
How long should I wait for my Pap test result?
In most cases, Pap smear results are available in one to three weeks. You may receive your test results via email or regular mail or you can receive a call from the doctor's office to go over the results of the Pap smear or to schedule a follow-up appointment
Why Pap smear is recommended for individuals who are not having sex?
Sometimes, genital touch can transmit HPV without sexual activity. This could involve having sex with a person of the same sex. Furthermore, although HPV is a major contributing factor to cervical cancer, it is not the only one. Your chance of getting HPV and obtaining cervical cancer might be increased by additional factors like smoking and HIV infection
What are the recommendations for cervical cancer screening with a pap test?
In women between the ages of 21 and 29, it is advised to undergo cytology-cervical cancer screening every three years. For women aged between 30 to 65 years, it is recommended to screen every 3 years with cervical cytology alone, every 5 years with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing alone, or every 5 years with HPV testing combined with cytology (Co-testing).
Is cervical cancer screening recommended after a hysterectomy?
Even after a hysterectomy, women may still require screening. During a hysterectomy, although the cervix is removed, a few cervical cells are still present near the vagina. So, it is recommended to continue screening 20 years after your operation if you have a history of cervical cancer or high-grade cervical cell alterations
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics