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The Curious Bag
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A Pap test (Papanicolaou test) is a standard diagnostic procedure used by doctors to detect the presence of cancerous and precancerous changes in a woman's cervix.
The Facts
During a Pap test, a sample of cervical cells is taken using a cervical brush or a wooden scraper, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Detectable Changes
In addition to cervical cancer, a Pap test can reveal a range of abnormal changes in the cervix, including varieties of precancerous cells called dysplasias, squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical intraepithelial neoplasias.
Recommended Testing
The ACS recommends an annual Pap test for women beginning three years after the start of sexual intercourse. Women who have not had sex should start Pap testing by age 21.
Considerations
Women over age 30 with three consecutive normal Pap results may decrease testing to once every two or three years. Women over age 70 with normal test results for at least 10 years may choose to discontinue testing.
Additional Considerations
The Mayo Clinic states that one in every 20 women who undergo a conventional Pap test receives results that overlook potentially dangerous abnormalities. Tests preserved in liquid, rather than smeared on a microscope slide, typically provide a lower error rate.
Source:
National Cancer Institute: Pap Test
American Cancer Society: Cervical Cancer: Prevention and Early Detection
The Mayo Clinic: Pap Smear: Risks
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