Loading...[ad_1]
The Pap smear test is a very important test for the screening of cervical cancer. The test includes checking changes in the cells of the cervix. The smear test is very important as it helps in early detection if the cells turn cancerous and they can be fully treated. The symptoms of cervical cancer do not show early as it takes a series of change over years to turn into precancerous cells. Pap test should be regularly done when a girl becomes sexually active.
Women find it very difficult to cope with the anxiety of pap tests as it may show the onset of cervical cancer. But many suffer from the myth, and are not aware that abnormal Pap test results do not mean that they suffer from cervical cancer. It only means that some changes have been detected in the cervix cells and further testing would be needed.
A colposcopy procedure is done to remove sample cells from the cervix for microscopical examination. The FDA has also approved of new cervical imaging systems, which should be connected right after colposcopy to check the areas of the cervix that are likely to contain the precancerous cells. The new system works in such a way that light is thrown on different areas of the cervix and their responses to the light are recorded. It gives a score to the tiny areas of cervix and makes a color map. On the basis of this color map, the doctors decide which tissues should be further tested with biopsy test. The color map helps to tell the difference between the healthy and diseased cells.
Pap tests are also not always correct. With encounter abnormal result as a Pap test outcome, one may also get a false positive result or false negative result as the outcome. A false positive result means that a woman is told she has abnormal cells in the cervix but they are actually normal. In case of false negative results, it is vice versa and the cells are really abnormal. False negative results occur because those cervical cells were missed. This delays the discovery and treatment of unhealthy cervix cells. This is why one should have regular Pap smear tests, according to the healthcare experts.
One should be aware about the developments in the cervix cells with regular pap tests. Women should also be knowledgeable about what can be the changes in the cells if the Pap test result is abnormal. Alertness and awareness helps in better healthy living.
[ad_2]
Source by Jennifer Stone
