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By Dr. Nancy Panter, MD/FACOG

A Pap smear also called a Pap test, is a procedure to check for cancer of the cervix, vagina, and other genital tissues. While any tissue or body fluid can be examined as a Pap, the test is intended to sample cells at the cervix. The Pap smear scheduled during an annual well-woman check. The cervical cells are collected and sent to a pathologist to look for abnormal cells that can be cancerous, precancerous, or atypical.
Several years ago, medical experts changed their recommendations on the length of time between Pap smears. In the past, we recommended they be done every year. Now we can “co-test” or add a test for the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV). Ninety-seven percent of cancers of the lower genital tract are related to HPV; by adding a second test, we have increased the accuracy of each Pap and made it possible to extend the time between Paps to 3 years.
The HPV vaccine does not protect from infection, but it does help prevent cervical cancer. Women who have had the HPV vaccine series still need to have pap smears, just in case a disease has developed. The HPV vaccine is the first time we have had a vaccine for a type of cancer, and it has dramatically lowered the number of deaths from cervical cancer worldwide. Providers recommend that people receive the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 and up to age 26. Adults older than 26 should only get the HPV vaccine if your clinician suggests it.
However, if a Pap smear comes back abnormal, a second test called colposcopy is done. A colposcopy is a surveillance test, not a screening test, and is not done unless the Pap is abnormal. Generally, this test takes no more than 15 minutes and is performed in a doctor’s office. Biopsies are taken and sent to the same lab as the Pap so the results can be compared.
If the colposcopy results show cancerous cells, the provider will usually recommend surgery to remove the cancerous cells. This is done either with a LEEP (Loop Electrical Excision Procedure) or a cone biopsy. The important thing is that the Pap smear, like many medical exams, is meant to catch health issues at an early stage, while they’re more easily treatable and before they begin to affect your quality of life. If you’re overdue for a Pap test, contact your medical provider today to make an appointment.