Papanicolaou smear (PAP test).

The Papanicolaou smear text was created by whom?

The Pap test was introduced by Dr. George Papanicolaou, a Greek-born American scientist whose research focused on the effects of ovarian hormones on the epithelium of the female genital tract. In 1926, he reported that tumor cells were found in the vaginal secretion of women with cervical cancer. In 1944, he published his landmark article "Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer by Vaginal Swabs," and his observations were immediately confirmed by other researchers and studies.

What is a Papanicolaou smear?

A Papanicolaou smear is a test to help prevent рак шейки матки at an early stage. The cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. During a Papanicolaou smear, a health care provider collects cells from the cervix and sends them to a laboratory.

In the lab, the cells are checked under a microscope for cancer or signs that they may become cancerous. Cells that are likely to become cancerous are called precancerous cells. Identifying and treating precancerous conditions can help рак шейки маткиA Papanicolaou smear is also a reliable way to detect cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.

Other names for the Papanicolaou smear: Papanicolaou test, cervical cytology, Papanicolaou test, Papanicolaou smear test, vaginal smear method.

Diagnostics in Switzerland also includes a test to detect cervical cancer and to prevent its development in its early stages. A Pap test detects abnormalities in cervical cells before they develop into cancer. Sometimes the collected cells are also tested for HPV, a virus that can cause changes in the cells that can lead to cancer.

How is a Pap test done?

In the best Swiss clinics , a Papanicolaou smear is often done as part of a gynecological examination. During the gynecological exam, the doctor examines the uterus, ovaries and genital area. And also takes a Pap test.

This is how a Papanicolaou test is done:

• To take a swab, the doctor first inserts a small diagnostic tool (mirror) into the vagina.
• Then, using a special spatula or small brush, they gently scrape some mucous membrane cells from the cervix or directly from the cervix. A swab takes a few seconds and is usually painless for women.
• The sample is placed on a slide and sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. It is then assessed whether the cells look healthy or have changed markedly. Alternatively, so-called thin-layer cytology can also be performed, where the sample is cleaned of blood and mucus before examination.

In most cases, the gynecologist will receive the result of the Papanicolaou test within a week. If there are noticeable changes, the gynecologist will contact the patient to discuss the result and further actions.

How do I prepare for  the test?

You should not have a Papanicolaou smear during menstruation. The appropriate time to do the test is about five days after the last day of menstruation. Two to three days before the test, you should not:

• Use tampons
• Using contraceptive creams in the vagina
• Use other creams or medications in the vagina
• Have vaginal sex

When and to whom is the examination indicated?

All women without exception:

• from the beginning of sexual activity - once a year;
• after reaching 30 years of age, a combined test is recommended: PAP test + human papillomavirus test - every 3 years;
• Sexual infections - at any age.