- How is the cervical exam done
- What is the cervical exam for
- Pap smear results
- When to perform colposcopy and cervical biopsy
Examination of the cervix is usually done mainly by performing a test known as a pap smear, which is simple and painless and is important for all women, especially those of childbearing age. This test should be performed annually to identify changes in the cervix and to prevent cancer.
In cases where the pap smear indicates the presence of changes in the woman's cervix, these in most cases are not cancer, but must be diagnosed and treated in advance. In these cases, the doctor should order other more specific cervical exams, such as colposcopy or cervical biopsy.
How is the cervical exam done
The examination of the cervix is done by performing a cytopathological examination also known as a pap smear, where a small sample of vaginal discharge and cells from the cervix is collected using a kind of cotton swab or spatula. The collected sample is then sent by the doctor to the laboratory, and the test results come out within a few days.
This exam is a quick procedure, which does not cause pain, only mild discomfort. After the exam, symptoms are not expected and special care is not necessary, however, if after the exam you feel discomfort in the pelvic area or if you bleed for more than a day, you should consult the doctor.
During pregnancy, this test can also be performed according to the indication of the gynecologist, having to be performed carefully, which may cause a little bleeding.
What is the cervical exam for
The cervical exam is used to:
- Help to identify early changes in the cervical wall, which can progress to cervical cancer, since these changes when detected early can be easily treated. Identify Naboth cysts, a benign change common in many women; It helps to detect other gynecological inflammations, warts or other sexually transmitted diseases. See what this Pap test is for. It helps to identify cellular changes that suggest the presence of the HPV virus, because although it does not allow its diagnosis, it helps to identify suspicions of the presence of the virus.
See more about what factors can increase cancer risk in: HPV and cervical cancer.
Pap smear results
Pap smear can give a negative or positive result, which indicates whether or not there are changes in the wall of the woman's uterus. When the test result is negative, it indicates that there are no changes in the wall of the woman's uterus, thus there is no evidence of cancer.
On the other hand, when the result of the Pap smear test is positive, it indicates that there are changes in the woman's uterus wall, and in these cases the doctor will recommend performing more specific tests, such as colposcopy for example, to identify the problem and treat it. it.
When to perform colposcopy and cervical biopsy
Colposcopy is performed whenever the Pap test is positive and indicates the presence of changes in the cervix. In this exam, the doctor applies a dye solution to the uterus and observes it using a device called a colposcope, which has lighting and magnifying glasses, functioning as a kind of magnifying glass. See how this exam is done in Colposcopy.
When colposcopy indicates the presence of changes in the wall of the uterus, the doctor will then ask for a histopathological examination of the cervix, which consists of a biopsy of the cervix, where a small procedure is performed to collect a small sample of the uterus, which is then analyzed by the doctor. This test is only performed when there are strong suspicions of changes in the woman's cervix.
