are all pap smears read the same way
There are two tests used for cervical cancer screening: the Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test (also known as the Pap smear) is a simple and effective way of checking cells from your cervix to see if they are normal or abnormal.Some abnormal cells can develop into cancer.our Pap test is reported as normal, inconclusive, or abnormal. 1  Normal: A normal Pap test means that abnormal cells have not been detected in the sample from your cervix. 2  This means that it is not likely that cervical cancer is present. Talk to your doctor about how often to have this test. A high-risk type of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of most cases of cervical cancer. In women older than 30, an HPV test may be done at the same time as a Pap test.If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV shot to prevent infection with the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. Try to schedule the test when you are not having your period, since blood can interfere with the results of the test. 2  If your bleeding is light, you may still be able to have a Pap test. 3  Do not use douches, tampons, vaginal medicines, sprays, or powders for at least 24 hours before having a Pap test. A Pap test checks the cervix for abnormal cell changes. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina. Cell changes can develop on the cervix that, if not found and treated, can lead to cervical cancer.ost often there is a small problem with the cervix. If results of the Pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, your doctor may repeat the Pap test immediately, in 6 months, or a year, or he or she may run more tests. Some abnormal cells will turn into cancer. A Pap test is a test of a sample of cells taken from a woman's cervix or vagina. The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix and vagina that show cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.he Pap test is done during a pelvic exam. A doctor uses a device called a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina so that the cervix and vagina can be examined. A plastic spatula and small brush are used to collect cells from the cervix. The best way to detect cervical cancer is by having regular Papanicolaou tests, or Pap smears. (Pap is a shortened version of the name of the doctor who developed the screening test.) A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells taken from the uterine cervix.A Pap smear can detect certain viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to cause cervical cancer.Pap is a shortened version of the name of the doctor who developed the screening test.) A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells taken from the uterine cervix. A Pap smear can detect certain viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to cause cervical cancer. Note to the ladies: If you are menstruating you should reschedule your pap smear as the blood cells make the smear difficult to read accurately. The same is true if there is semen on your cervix -- if you had sex without a condom within 24 hours of the pap smear.ote to the ladies: If you are menstruating you should reschedule your pap smear as the blood cells make the smear difficult to read accurately. The same is true if there is semen on your cervix -- if you had sex without a condom within 24 hours of the pap smear. Pap test. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for cancers and precancers in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina). Precancers are cell changes that might become cancer if they are not treated the right way.ost often there is a small problem with the cervix. If results of the Pap test are unclear or show a small change in the cells of the cervix, your doctor may repeat the Pap test immediately, in 6 months, or a year, or he or she may run more tests. Some abnormal cells will turn into cancer. The cells are examined for abnormalities that may point to abnormal cell changes, such as dysplasia or cervical cancer. The recommended Pap test schedule is based on your age and on things that increase your risk. Try to schedule the test when you are not having your period, since blood can interfere with the results of the test. 2  If your bleeding is light, you may still be able to have a Pap test. 3  Do not use douches, tampons, vaginal medicines, sprays, or powders for at least 24 hours before having a Pap test. An abnormal Pap smear test result. An abnormal Pap smear test result means there is some change in the cells taken from the cervix. Cervical cells turn over rapidly, regenerate and in this process can become abnormal or changed. There are many reasons for a change or difference including: 1  Infection. 2  Inflammation.3  Pre-cancerous changes.n abnormal Pap smear test result means there is some change in the cells taken from the cervix. Cervical cells turn over rapidly, regenerate and in this process can become abnormal or changed. There are many reasons for a change or difference including: 1  Infection. 2  Inflammation. 3  Pre-cancerous changes. A colposcopy. This procedure is a little more in-depth than a pap smear. For a colposcopy, we brush acetic acid (you may catch a slight vinegar-like whiff) over the cervical tissue and look at it with a special light and lens. The acid allows abnormal cells to become more visible.owever, if you do get a call or message that abnormal cells were identified, it is imperative that you get in touch with your OB/GYN ASAP in case the Pap smear does indicate an infection or cancerous cells. The sooner you address the issue the better in terms of treatment.
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