what is a pap smear test
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What is a Pap smear and how is it done?
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is an exam a doctor uses to test for cervical cancer in women. It can also reveal changes in your cervical cells that may turn into cancer later. Why Is a Pap Smear Done?
What do abnormal Pap smear results mean?
In rare cases, abnormal cells in a pap smear can be a sign of cancer in your cervix or uterus. If your doctor suspects that your test results might indicate a serious problem, they may have you come in for more tests, like a colonoscopy or a biopsy (tissue sample). [24]
Can a Pap smear detect cervical cancer?
A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer. A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer. The Pap smear is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam.
What is a liquid-based Pap smear test?
With the liquid-based Pap smear test, your doctor can reanalyze the sample to check for the presence of certain high-risk types of HPV virus known to promote the development of cancers like cervical cancer. If no high-risk viruses are present, the abnormal cells found as a result of the test aren’t of great concern.
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