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Pap smears See Also Australian Government Pap Smear information Pap smears are recommended for all women who are sexually active and have not had a hysterectomy. Pap smears are used to detect cervical cancer, and the human Papilloma virus. The Australian government has a Pap smear register, which records the date at which all registered women have had their last smear. The smears are recommended every two years, if the results have always been negative, and more often if there is a positive result. In the laboratory, the Pap smear is looked at under a microscope. That result can be either negative or contains Human Papilloma virus (the wart virus), or CIN 1, 2, or 3. The Pap smear result also records, whether intra-cervical cells have been detected or not. If no intra-cervical cells have been detected, the Pap smear may not have been of sufficient quality to be assessed and the test may have to be repeated. We suggest in addition to the manual Pap smear being performed at a Thin-prep is also performed by the pathology laboratory. This is a computerised test and is not covered by Medicare. The cost to you will be about $35-$40. The Thin-prep test is more accurate than the manual assessment of the Pap smear, and in addition, provides an additional check as to the accuracy of the result. If the result of the Thin-prep and Pap are both negative, and previous results have also been negative, then another Pap smear is recommended in two years time. If the result of the prep and Pap smear showed HPV virus, we recommend that another Pap smear be done in six months time. We also recommend taking steps to boost the immune system so that hopefully, the immune system will wipe out the HPV wart virus. If the Pap smear and Thin-prep showed CIN 1, 2, or 3 you will be referred to a specialist for further testing. If this Pap smear confirms CIN one , it will usually be suggested that the Pap smear be repeated after every six months. This is because CIN one refers to precancerous changes to the cells of the cervix. During this time, we recommend that you take measures to boost your immune system to maximise the chance that you are a system in wipe out the HPV virus. The Anti Cancer Diet is also worthwhile. If the Pap smear shows CIN 2 or 3, it means that there is PRE-cancer of the cervix. CIN 3 is more invasive, and therefore serious than CIN 2. You will be referred to a gynaecologist who will first perform a colposcopy. This long word simply means painting the cervix with acetic acid, which stains the affected areas of the cervix white, enabling the gynaecologist to ascertain more accurately, the extent of the damage to the cervix. Depending on the result of the colposcopy, the gynaecologist may refer you for surgery in the form of cautery to the cervix or possibly a cone resection in the case of CIN 3. Positive Pap smears are more common in women who have started having sex at an early age and who have had multiple partners. The human Papilloma virus is probably the most common all the sexually transmitted diseases, and the risk of this can be minimised by using a condom. | |||||||
