Il carcinoma della cervice uterina colpisce la parte dell'utero che e' connessa/entra nella vagina , chiamata appunto cervice. Se pensiamo all'utero come a una pera rivolta verso il basso la cervice e' la parte piu stretta della pera. Il pap test permette di vedere se c'e una degenerazione cellulare a livello della cervice. NON SERVE PER FARE DIAGNOSI di HIV o di malattie sessualmente trasmesse.
Ma vediamo il Pap test nei dettagli....
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina.
Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these cells early with a Pap smear is your first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.
Pap smear testing around age 21 and then every two or three years. You may consider having a Pap smear less often after age 30 or if you've had multiple negative tests in a row.
If you have certain risk factors your doctor may recommend more frequent Pap smears, regardless of your age. These risk factors include:
- A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
- HIV infection
- Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use
A Pap smear is a safe way to screen for cervical cancer. However, a Pap smear isn't foolproof. It's possible to receive false-negative results — meaning that the test indicates no abnormality, even though you do have abnormal cells.
A false-negative result doesn't mean that a mistake was made. Factors that can cause a false-negative result include:
- An inadequate collection of cells
- A small number of abnormal cells
- Blood or inflammatory cells obscuring the abnormal cells
Although it's possible for abnormal cells to go undetected, time is on your side. Cervical cancer takes several years to develop. And if one test doesn't detect the abnormal cells, the next test most likely will
To ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow these tips prior to your test:
- Avoid intercourse, douching or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells.
- Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period. Although the test can be done, it's best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible
The Pap smear can alert your doctor to the presence of suspicious cells that need further testing. If only normal cervical cells were discovered during your Pap smear, you're said to have a negative result. You won't need any further treatment or testing until you're due for your next Pap smear and pelvic exam. If your Pap smear is abnormal, your doctor may perform a procedure called colposcopy using a special magnifying instrument (colposcope) to examine the tissues of the cervix, vagina and vulva. He or she may take a tissue sample (biopsy) from any areas that appear abnormal. The tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis and a definitive diagnosis.
Accordingly with the results and the international guideline , your OB/GYN will decide which is the best terapy for you.
Non vedo alcuna ragione per non farlo.E sebbene sia difficile accettare una diagnosi che dice che c'e' qualcosa che non va, e' SEMPRE meglio intervenire nelle fasi precoci che in quelle avanzate.
Tempo richiesto meno di Mezz'ora. Tempo Guadagnato: anni di vita!
Per saperne di piu'
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento