- Possible results of the Schiller test
- What does the positive Schiller test mean
- When to do the Schiller test
The Schiller test is a diagnostic test that consists of staining the inner region of the vagina and cervix with an iodine solution, in order to observe the integrity of the epithelium in this region. It is usually done during colposcopy, and in some cities, for cervical cancer research.
When the Schiller test is positive, it means that the solution was unable to cover the entire area and there is some change, giving a pathological result. When the Schiller test is negative, it means that the solution was able to cover the entire area without showing changes, giving a normal result.
Possible results of the Schiller test
The two possible results of the Schiller test are positive or negative. The negative test is one in which, after placing the lugol, the entire cervix is blackened due to the absorption of the lugol by the tissue, with no yellowish regions and indicating that the cervix has no changes, that is, it is normal.
What does the positive Schiller test mean
The Schiller test is said to be positive when, after the placement of the lugol, not all of the lugol is absorbed by the tissue, and yellowed areas can be seen in the cervix, which indicates that there are changes in the cells, being suggestive of cervical cancer.. Know the symptoms of cervical cancer.
To confirm the diagnosis, the gynecologist can request a biopsy of the tissue to visualize the characteristics of the tissue and cells. In this case, there is a chance that women have cancer cells, but the positive result does not always indicate cancer. Other situations that can generate a positive Schiller test are a badly placed IUD and vaginal inflammation. Understand when the Schiller test is positive.
When to do the Schiller test
The Schiller test is indicated for sexually active women and is requested by the gynecologist when a gynecological disease is suspected, such as HPV, syphilis, vaginal inflammation, for example. In addition, this test can be used to detect cervical cancer early.
The positivity of the Schiller Test does not necessarily indicate the presence of neoplastic lesions, and it is important that other complementary exams are performed, such as the Pap smear, for example, to confirm the diagnosis. See which exams can be ordered by the gynecologist.
