Pap Smear in Thane

What is a Pap smear test?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is the most commonly used test for detecting early changes in cervical cells that might develop into cervical cancer. During the test, a sample of cells is collected from the cervix. It is usually performed as part of a gynecologic examination, often together with a bimanual pelvic exam.

Dr Arohi says, “A Pap smear is a screening test. It is done to look for early cell changes, often before any symptoms appear.”

Why is cervical cancer screening done?

HPV is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. A cervical screening test can detect high-risk HPV types and help identify women who may be at risk of developing cervical cancer, so that they can be followed up in time.

Do I still need a Pap smear if I have had the HPV vaccine?

Yes. Even women who have been immunized against HPV should have regular cervical screening.

What tests are part of cervical cancer screening?

Cervical cancer screening can include two tests, and both use cells collected from the cervix.

What is an HPV test?

An HPV test is done on the sample of cervical cells, often the same sample collected for the Pap test. It looks for the HPV strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer. HPV testing may be done alone or together with a Pap test.

What is the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test?

A Pap smear looks at the cells themselves for early abnormal changes. An HPV test looks for the presence of high-risk HPV types in those cells. The two can be combined in a single screening visit.

Who needs a Pap smear, and how often?

The following guidelines are recommended by obstetricians and gynecologists. Individual advice may differ, so the doctor decides the right schedule for each woman.

At what age should Pap smear screening begin?

Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21. Women with no history of abnormal Pap results are screened every three years. If abnormal cells are found, or if HPV is present, more frequent screening may be needed.

How often should women over 30 be screened?

Women over 30 who have had three consecutive normal Pap test results can be screened every 5 years with a Pap smear along with a screening test for high-risk HPV. Another option is a Pap test alone every three years.

Who may need more frequent screening?

Women with certain risk factors may need to be checked more often. These include:

• Exposure to DES before birth
• HIV infection
• A weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy or long-term steroid use

Dr Arohi says, “The screening interval is not the same for every woman. Age, previous reports and risk factors all decide how often the test is needed.”

When can Pap smear screening stop?

Women aged 65 to 70 who have had three or more consecutive normal Pap tests, and no abnormal results in the last 20 years, may stop cervical cancer screening. Women with a history of cervical cancer, DES exposure before birth, HIV infection or a weakened immune system should continue to be screened as long as they are in good health.

Is a Pap smear needed after a hysterectomy?

Women who have had a complete hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) can stop screening, unless they have a history of cervical cancer or precancer. Women whose hysterectomy did not include removal of the cervix should continue screening as described above.

What do Pap smear and HPV test results mean?

Screening can be done during a visit to a primary care physician or a gynecologic specialist. Results are usually available a few weeks after the appointment.

How are Pap test results reported?

• Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy: no abnormal, precancerous or cancerous cells were found.
• Abnormal: cervical cells can look abnormal for several reasons, such as a cervical infection, a precancerous area, or, in some cases, cervical cancer.

How are HPV test results reported?

• Negative: no high-risk HPV strains were found.
• Positive: high-risk HPV strains were found. Some laboratories also mention if the highest-risk types, HPV 16 or HPV 18, are present.

What happens if the result is abnormal?

An abnormal Pap or HPV result does not by itself mean cancer. It usually means that further testing is needed, and the right follow-up depends on several individual factors, which the doctor explains.

About Dr Arohi Tasgaonkar

Dr Arohi Tasgaonkar is a robotic gynecologist and obstetrician in Thane. Her qualifications are MS (ObGy), DNB (ObGy) and a Fellowship in Gynaec Endoscopy. Registration no.: [2006052656].

Her practice covers pregnancy care, including normal delivery, high-risk pregnancy care, painless delivery, C-section delivery and post-delivery care, as well as gynecological conditions such as fibroids, PCOD and menstrual problems with more than 15 years of experience. She also performs minimally invasive and robotic gynecological surgery; you can read about robotic gynecology in Thane here.

Where can I consult Dr Arohi Tasgaonkar in Thane?

• Complete Women’s Care, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West
• Clinic: 2nd Floor, Mohan Heritage Building, Above Nipun Hospital, Mahapalika Bhavan Road, Opposite TMC Office, Panch Pakhdi, Thane (W)
• Phone: +919833074977

OR

• KIMS Hospitals, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West
• Clinic: Ghodbunder Rd, opp. BRENTFORD, Patlipada, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400607
• Phone: +918355906070