Advantages of Liquid Cytology
In a regular smear, up to 80% of the cells remain on the brush, and the preparation is covered with mucus, leukocytes and red blood cells; in the liquid method, all material is preserved in solution, and the device prepares a thin monolayer - the cytologist sees the cells clearly, sensitivity to HSIL is higher, and repeated sampling due to an “inadequate smear” is practically excluded. The remaining material is used for HPV testing and p16/Ki-67 markers without a repeat visit - important in ASCUS/LSIL for the decision on colposcopy. Liquid cytology is recommended as the main screening method and is mandatory for monitoring after treatment of dysplasia.
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.
