How to take it and how to read the result
The material is taken with a cervical brush from the surface of the cervix (transformation zone) and from the canal, applied to the glass and stained using Papanicolaou; The cytologist evaluates the cells. Conclusion NILM is the norm; ASCUS - atypical cells of unknown significance (HPV test required); LSIL—mild dysplasia (observation, colposcopy); HSIL - moderate/severe dysplasia (colposcopy with biopsy and treatment); AGC - atypical glandular cells (additional examination of the canal and endometrium). Accuracy increases when combined with an HPV test (co-testing). Do not take it during menstruation or in case of acute inflammation - treatment first.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer develops over years from precancerous changes (CIN 1-3 dysplasia) caused by high-risk human papillomavirus and is completely preventable with regular screening. Screening standard: cytology (PAP test) from age 21 every 3 years, HPV test from age 30 every 5 years or co-testing; in case of deviations - colposcopy and biopsy. All three methods complement each other: the HPV test shows the cause, cytology shows cell changes, colposcopy shows where exactly on the cervix they are located.
Indications
- preventively for all women from 21 years of age (cytology) and from 30 years of age (HPV);
- erosion (ectopia), leukoplakia, polyp, suspicious changes in the cervix upon examination;
- positive HPV test or atypia in cytology (ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL) - colposcopy;
- contact bleeding after sexual intercourse;
- control after treatment of dysplasia, conization, cauterization;
- pregnancy planning.
