The smear test is a very important and very simple screening test that women should have. The Pap smear test is a test that helps to detect cellular changes that may be a precursor to cervical cancer or to understand whether there is cancer in the cervix.
The smear test is initially performed 3 years after the first sexual intercourse or after the age of 21. After the age of 30, it is recommended that women have a smear test at least once a year. In this way, it is stated in today's guidelines that the frequency of having a smear may be every 3 years in women who have had a normal smear test three times in a row, unless there is an additional risk. However, those who or their spouses have a history or history of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, a virus known to be associated with cervical cancer, diagnosed with genital herpes (genital herpes), and women with genital warts (even if treated). It can also be done more frequently in periods deemed necessary by the doctor.
The smear test is simple and painless. The test is not done during menstruation (menstrual period). The best time to do the test is 7-10 days after the menstrual bleeding. First, a speculum (vaginal examination instrument) is inserted into the vagina so that the cervix can be seen. Then, a small brush is applied to the cervix and cell samples are collected and spread on the glass. These cells are examined under a microscope by the pathologist to see if there is any abnormal development. In addition to detecting a possible cancer, the main goal is to detect lesions that are not cancer but have the potential to transform into cancer and can be treated and described as precancerous “precancerous”. If the test is positive, that is, if it contains abnormal cells, HPV testing and colposcopy may be requested.
Before the smear is taken, sexual intercourse should not be established within 48 hours, the vagina should not be washed, and applications such as drugs and creams should not be made into the vagina. If there is a genital infection, it should be treated and then a smear should be taken.
The purpose of the test is to detect infections and abnormal (potentially cancerous) cells in the cervix. There is no rule that there is a suspicion of cancer in every person who has a smear test. According to the changes in the cells lining the cervix, the results can be interpreted as “insignificant” (ASCUS), low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade (HSIL) changes, and in such cases, further investigations such as follow-up or colposcopy may be required.
Finding findings indicative of cervical cancer as a result of the smear test will enable early diagnosis and, accordingly, early initiation of treatment.
