Pap Smear Medical Test

A Pap smear is a medical screening method primarily designed to detect premalignant and malignant processes in the ectocervix. The cervix is part of your uterus. During a Pap smear, your doctor takes a sample of cells from your cervix to be tested. A Pap test can save your life. It can find the earliest signs of cervical cancer - a common cancer in women. Pap tests also can find infections and abnormal cervical cells that can turn into cancer cells. Treatment can prevent most cases of cervical cancer from developing. It may also detect infections and abnormalities in the endocervix and endometrium. A Pap smear is a simple, quick, and relatively painless screening test. Its specificity - which means its ability to avoid classifying a normal smear as abnormal -- while very good, is not perfect. Pap tests can be reported different ways. A negative Pap test is one that is reported as satisfactory and shows normal cells. Some pap tests are not satisfactory or have abnormal cells and have to be repeated. Pap smear testing is not indicated for women who have hysterectomy for benign conditions.

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.