Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), [1] cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), [2] or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or, more rarely, anus (in both men and women). [3]
The Pap test is still widely used as a means of early cancer detection and is estimated to have reduced fatalities caused by cancer of the reproductive systems in women by half. [10] By some accounts, the pap test is considered the most significant advance in the control of cancer in the 20th century.
Cytologic tests include conventional Pap smear and liquid based cytology. Visual Inspection tests involve application of a solution to enhance identification of abnormal areas and can utilize the naked eye or a colposcope/magnifying camera. [3] Medical organizations of different countries have unique guidelines and screening recommendations.
Pap smear results may be reported using the Bethesda system (see above). The sensitivity and specificity of this test were variable in a systematic review looking at accuracy of the test. An abnormal Pap smear result may lead to a recommendation for colposcopy of the cervix, an in office procedure during which the cervix is examined under ...
Depending on patient's age or Pap smear result, HPV testing may also be performed. Sexually transmitted infection screening - Depending on age and risk factors, clinicians may recommend gonorrhea or chlamydia testing at the time of the well-woman exam. This sample can be collected via a swab of the cervix or vagina.
Papanicolaou stain (also Papanicolaou's stain and Pap stain) is a multichromatic (multicolored) cytological staining technique developed by George Papanicolaou in 1942. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The Papanicolaou stain is one of the most widely used stains in cytology , [ 1 ] where it is used to aid pathologists in making a diagnosis.
A pelvic examination is the physical examination of the external and internal female pelvic organs. [1] It is frequently used in gynecology for the evaluation of symptoms affecting the female reproductive and urinary tract, such as pain, bleeding, discharge, urinary incontinence, or trauma (e.g. sexual assault).
The Bethesda system (TBS), officially called The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology, is a system for reporting cervical or vaginal cytologic diagnoses, [1] used for reporting Pap smear results. It was introduced in 1988 [2] and revised in 1991, [3] 2001, [1] [4] [5] and 2014. [6]