A Pap test (sometimes called a Pap smear or cervical cytology screening) is a simple test that can detect abnormal cervical cells that may be precancerous or cancerous.
A Pap test is not the same thing as a pelvic exam. A Pap test allows for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of abnormal cells.
A Pap test is very simple and is done quickly (less than a minute).
What to expect during a Pap test:
At age 21, you should begin having a Pap test.
How often you continue to have them done depends on your age and health history:
There is not a clear answer for when a woman can stop having a Pap test. Some experts recommend that a woman who is 65-70 can stop having a Pap test after three normal results in a row within the last 10 years. If you have certain risk factors, you should continue to routine Pap test.
Risk factors include:
If you receive an abnormal Pap test result, you will receive additional testing including:
If results of the follow-up test indicate precancerous changes, you may need treatment to remove the abnormal cells.
Pap test results are not always accurate, as is the case with any lab test. Sometimes the results show abnormal cells when the cells are actually normal. This is called a “false-positive” result.
On the other hand, sometimes a Pap test may not detect any abnormal cells when they are present. This is called a “false-negative” result.
Many factors can cause false results such as:
Your health care professional may suggest a repeat Pap test to re-check the results.
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