What is PAP Smear?

A Pap smear shows abnormal cells in the cervix are abnormal. An abnormal result from this test is not unusual, because normally the cervix cells suffer permanent changes. About 5% to 10% in women who are annually Pap test have an abnormal result, but only a small fraction of these show abnormal changes that could develop into cervical cancer.

Causes

Many abnormal Pap tests are caused by viral infections, such as infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) or other types of infection, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi or protozoa (Trichomonas).

The most common cause is HPV infection.

Natural changes in the cells of the cervix (Atrophic vaginitis) appeared to Menopause and they can give an abnormal Pap test. Cellular changes usually return to normal spontaneously or after infection has been cured by itself or after treatment.

In some cases, changes in cervical cells (the cervix) that give an abnormal Pap test and not treated may progress to precancerous or cancerous stages.

Some HPV types who are at increased risk, especially types 16 and 18, were associated with developing cervical cancer.

However, usually develops slowly and cervical cell changes require years to become cancerous cells.

Cells from the cervix are more likely than most other body cells to undergo changes because, normally, the cervical cells pass through changes constantly.

Cervix has two types of cells:

- Columnar cells with rectangular shape and depth of the cervix

- Flat cells, the surface squamous cervix

- Columnar cells permanently transformed into squamous cells in the cervix called a processing area.

Because cells in this area of the cervix are constantly changing, they have an increased risk of having abnormal. Most abnormal cell changes found on a Pap test from the processing area.

Location transformation zone varies from one woman to another. It may be the external surface of the cervix, which can be seen during a Pap test, or inside the cervix, which can be seen in the test.

Risk factors

Most cervical cell changes are the result of high-risk sexual behaviors, the patient or sexual partner, taken sometime today or possibly even many years ago.

These behaviors increase the risk of infection and to make a sexually transmitted disease (STDs). Women who have a monogamous relationship (with one sexual partner), an abnormal Pap test result due to HPV does not necessarily indicate an increased risk behavior today. Since HPV stays in the body cells for many years, cervical cell changes may be a consequence of HPV infection acquired years before you.

Smoking or weakened immune system may also increase the risk of developing cervical cell changes.

Perform regular Pap smear tests for Screening and assessing any abnormal result may reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Sexual behavior high risk include:

- Start sex when she was small (before the age of 18 years)

- unprotected sex which increases the risk of infection with types of human papillomavirus (HPV) Chlamydia, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

- Three or more sexual partners over the life

- Sexual contact with someone who has had multiple sexual partners

- Symptoms that may indicate changes in cells of the cervix (cervical)

- Changes in cervical cells that can give an abnormal Pap test by themselves do not lead to the appearance of symptoms. An infection with HPV - the most common cause of these changes - not usually give any symptoms

- Why is it so important by making regular screening Pap test, to observe the time changes, if they occur

- If an infection or a sexually transmitted disease, (STDs) Is due to Pap test abnormality may be present symptoms due to infection or STDs. STDs can have a variety of symptoms, including:

- Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as a change in quantity, the color, odor or vaginal discharge viscosity, for example, it became more cloudy, discolored or foul-smelling May for a period of several days to 2 weeks

- Pain, burning or itch during urination that lasts for more than 24 hours

- pain during intercourse

- pain in the pelvic area and low abdominal area

- Pain, burning, tingling or itching in the genital area

- Sores, bumps, blisters, redness or warts on or around genitals

Only a small percentage of abnormal Pap tests indicate the presence of cervical cell changes that could develop into cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms can be:

- vaginal bleeding unexplained abnormal or significant change cycle

- Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix (such as during sex or the introduction of diaphragms)

- Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus with traces of blood.

What to do if an abnormal Pap test?

Although most abnormal Pap tests are caused by infection or inflammation that can be treated, requires a new safety assessment subsequent abnormal cellular changes that have been resolved. Options treatment varies by grade cell changes: minor, moderate or severe.

If minor cell changes, can be reached only monitoring by a doctor (waiting and tracking), a HPV test, or in some cases for colposcopy.

If moderate or severe cell changes, further evaluation is required by colostomy and cervical biopsy . Subsequently, the method of treatment which destroys or removes specifically abnormal cells could be recommended, depending on biopsy results.

Path physiological mechanism

Abnormal Pap test results may be due to natural changes in the transformation of cells from the cervix or infection.

Pap test results usually return to normal when cells resume good growth or after the infection was treated and healed spontaneously.

In some instances, cervical cell changes that were not treated and that abnormal Pap test result could progress towards a precancerous or cancerous state. Certain types of papillomavirus (HPV) were associated with increased risk of developing cervical cancer. However, cervical cell changes progressing slowly and it takes many years to turn into cancer cells. Treatment can remove or destroy these cells before they become cancerous.

American Cancer Society reported the following statistics:

- Women aged between 13 and 21 years, minor changes in cervical cells disappear spontaneously, by itself, in the course of three years, about 90% of cases

- In women older than 21 years, minor changes in cervical cells disappear spontaneously, by itself, going three years, about 50% to 80% of cases.

Screening by Pap test done regularly can detect these early cellular changes.

Early detection, or precancerous cell changes Cervical Cancer usually lead to complete healing

if one is diagnosed with high risk HPV type, you may need to make other Pap tests more frequently and occasionally other tests for further evaluation.

Cervical polyps not related to cervical cancer, but they can be found and removed at the time of pelvic examination and a Pap test.