ap Smear result can lead to precancerous or cancerous conditions.
Exfoliative cytology methods:
– dry medium Pap Test
– liquid medium Pap Test
The liquid medium Pap Test was developed out of the desire to improve the cervical pathology diagnosis method. A liquid transportation medium is used to preserve the collected cells, as well as a special processing device to eliminate waste and uniformly spread the cells onto the slide. In the classical test, 80% of the collected cells remain on the brush and do not reach the smear.
HPV is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, both by sexual intercourse and by prolonged contact with contaminated contact, or it may be transmitted from the mother to the foetus during childbirth. Certain types of high risk HPV, especially types 16 and 18, were associated to the onset of cervical cancer.
However, in general, cervical cell changes slowly progress and several years are required before they turn into cancerous cells.
- multiple sexual partners (the use of condoms does not provide proper protection, because the virus can also be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact in the areas that are not protected by the condom)
- age: HPV infection is more frequent in sexually active women aged between 18 and 30; the prevalence of the infection abruptly drops after the age of 30
- raspunsul imun al gazdei: importanta decisiva in evolutia infectiei o are raspunsul imun primar al gazdei
- HPV variant: an important factor in the appearance of cervix, vagina or vulva injuries is the HPV variant
- viral load
- local traumas
- the associations with other infections (such as the herpes virus infection)
Most HPV infections are transitory; 92% of the HPV infection positive population becomes negative within 24 months. Several patients feature no symptoms and they transmit the infection without even knowing it. Women with a persistent infection feature (especially in the case of a high risk HPV) a pre-neoplasic or neoplasic injury risk. There are 14 high risk HPV types, of which HPV 16 and 18 are the most important ones.
The cervix cancer symptoms may be:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- bleeding when something comes into contact with the cervix (such as during intercourse or upon the introduction of a diaphragm)
- abnormal blood-streaked vaginal discharge
What Should You Do In The Case of An Abnormal Pap Smear?
Though most abnormal Pap Tests are caused by infections or inflammations that can be treated, a new subsequent evaluation is required in order to make sure that the abnormal cell alterations were solved. The treatment options vary depending on the cell alteration level: minor, moderate or severe.
In the case of minor cell changes, the simple medical follow-up (waiting and monitoring), an HPV test or, in some cases, a colposcopy, could be enough.
In the case of moderate or severe cell alterations, the follow-up must be accompanied by a colonoscopy and cervical biopsy. Subsequently, the treatment methods destroying or specifically removing the abnormal cells might be recommended, depending on the biopsy results.