Pap Smear in San Antonio
A Pap smear is a screening procedure performed on the cervix to check for abnormal cells that could lead to cancer. Patients may also be checked for HPV at this time, as this common sexually transmitted infection has the potential to cause cervical cancer.
Pap smears can detect:
- Cervical cancer
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Pap Smear in San Antonio
A Pap smear is a screening procedure performed on the cervix to check for abnormal cells that could lead to cancer. Patients may also be checked for HPV at this time, as this common sexually transmitted infection has the potential to cause cervical cancer.
Pap smears can detect:
- Cervical cancer
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Pap smear Frequently Asked Questions
Although a routine procedure, our Pap smear tests in San Antonio are efficient in screening women for cervical cancer. The entire examination is quite simple, as the procedure entails swabbing cells from women’s cervix for testing.
It’s a very quick process, usually just a few minutes.
Although the insertion of the speculum might cause mild discomfort, the test should not hurt. In fact, by the time you get back to your car, you will forget you even had the procedure.
Frequency depends on a few factors, including your age and medical history. If you’re not sure whether you need the procedure, speak to your doctor.
As a general rule, screenings begin at age 21. Women with normal screening results retest every three years until they reach 30; those with an abnormal result may require more frequent exams.
After age 30, screening may be reduced to every three to five years, depending on the patient’s history. HPV testing also typically begins at age 30. Women over 30 who have tested positive for HPV typically undergo yearly Pap smear screening, as this group is at higher risk for cervical cancer.
Concerned About An Abnormal Pap Smear?
Your doctor will recommend follow-up testing if you have an abnormal Pap smear result. This additional testing will rule out the chance of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells. Although 5% of results come back abnormal, if you’ve had more than one abnormal test, you may need to undergo a diagnostic test.
The follow-up diagnostic test is called a colposcopy. Your doctor will use a speculum to open your cervix, then use a magnifying device to closely examine your cervix for abnormalities. Depending on what the doctor sees, a biopsy may also be performed.