The Pap test or you may also call it Gynecological Pap Smear, is a test for cervical cancer. In this technique, doctors test for cancerous cells on the opening of the uterus. The opening of the uterus is generally known as the cervix. The doctors scrape away the cancerous cells from your cervix in this process. This process does not have any long-term pain or effects. Here in this article, we will discuss its treatment and the results you can expect.
Results
Gynecological Pap Smears can have two types of results. Your results will be positive (normal) or negative(abnormal).
Positive (Abnormal Results)
If your result is positive, that doesn’t mean that you will for sure have cancer. There can be several other reasons why your Gynecological Pap Smear is abnormal. It can be anything like-
- Minor cell changes (dysplasia)
- Cancer or pre-cancer
- Lab test error
- HPV
- Some other infections
If your body has had any minor cell changes, the doctor will ask you to wait. And then have another Gynecological Pap Smears after some months. And if the abnormal cell is still detected. Then the doctor will ask you to have some more tests.
Negative (Normal Results)
If your report is negative, it means you are safe, and the doctor has not found any cancerous cells in your cervix. And you don’t need any further tests till your next Pap Smear.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical cancer counts on various factors. Such as your age, stage of cancer, or any other disease you may have. There are three ways of treatment: radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy, or these three may be combined.
Surgery
If your cancer is in an initial stage, doctors may use surgery. Remember, doctors will always ask you before they proceed with anything. They may give you several options-
- Treatment to cut away cancer only
- Surgery to remove the cervix and uterus both (hysterectomy)
- Surgery to remove the cervix only (trachelectomy)
Radiation
These use X-rays or protons to destroy cancer cells. It’s always combined with chemotherapy for treatment for advanced cervical cancer. The radiation may cause menopause. If you want to be pregnant in the future, then ask your doctor about the method of preserving your eggs. Your eggs can be preserved before you go ahead with the treatment. Radiation can be provided as-
- External beam radiation therapy/ treatment
- Brachytherapy
- Both external as well as internal therapy
Chemotherapy
It’s a method that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Take it in the form of pills or through veins.
Targeted Therapy
In this method, cancer cells are killed with the help of their weakness. This method focuses on only destroying or blocking their weakness to make them die. This is also used with chemotherapy.
The Final Verdict is Out.
From this article, we have learned about Gynecological Pap Smears and it’s treatment. You need to make a regular visit to your doctor if you face severe conditions. Only physicians or special gynecologists can detect the foul cells and offer a better treatment.
