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detect abnormal cervical cell lesions
The cervix is located at the bottom of the uterus, connecting the uterus and vagina. Cervical smear (also known as Pap smear, named after Dr. George Papanicolaou , who invented this technique in the 1920s) is a quick and simple test that can detect abnormal cervical cell lesions.
Before cervical cancer appears, abnormal cells will form in the cervix. If left untreated, within five to ten years, these pre-cancerous cells may change and become cervical cancer. The purpose of cervical cancer screening is to treat these abnormalities early through testing detection to prevent cervical cancer. The treatment rate of precancerous lesions is close to 100%.
The test
Cervical smear is a test to detect abnormal early lesions of the cervix. If such lesions are found, they can be treated before the cancer develops. If abnormal cells are found on the cervical smear, further tests are needed to determine whether the disease is serious.
Preparation
Avoid cell testing when you are menstruating. In the 48 hours before the test, you should avoid vaginal lavage, spermicide, vaginal plugs, and sexual intercourse, as this may hide or wash away abnormal cells. If you find unusual vaginal secretions, you should first see a doctor and treat the vaginal infection before undergoing a cervical smear.
The process
Before being tested, you may need to answer some questions about your health and lifestyle.
Cervical smear is a very safe test, the process only takes a few minutes. The doctor or nurse will put a tool (called a speculum) into your vagina. After that, a small plastic brush will be used to take some cell samples on the surface of the cervix. The cell sample is transferred to a bottle of liquid for storage. Then, the doctor or nurse will remove the speculum, and the examination is complete. The samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing under a microscope. HPV DNA screening test can also be done with the sample.
