PAP Smear - Liquid Based Cytology

Cancer

Report in 192Hrs

At Home

No Fasting Required

Details

Screening test for cervical cancer and precancerous changes

₹1,582₹1,910

17% OFF

PAP Smear - Liquid Based Cytology: Comprehensive Medical Test Guide

Section 1: Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: Detects precancerous and cancerous cells of the cervix; identifies human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and other cervical abnormalities; screens for cervical cancer and cervicitis
- Primary Indications: Routine cervical cancer screening in women aged 21-65 years; follow-up of abnormal previous Pap results; monitoring post-treatment for cervical lesions; evaluation of abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Timing and Frequency: Every 3 years for women with negative results (ages 21-65); every 5 years if combined with HPV testing; more frequently if previous abnormalities detected; not during menstruation; best performed during mid-cycle; annual screening for women with risk factors
- Clinical Context: Part of routine preventive health care; critical component of gynecological examination; primary screening method for cervical cancer prevention; recommended by ACOG, CDC, and WHO
Section 2: Normal Range
- Normal Result (Negative): No abnormal cells detected; benign squamous and columnar cells present; normal cervical flora
- Bethesda System Classification: Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM) - indicates normal cytology
- HPV Status: Negative for high-risk HPV if co-testing performed
- Specimen Adequacy: Satisfactory for evaluation - adequate cellularity with representative cells from transformation zone
- Interpretation of Normal Values: Normal means low risk for cervical cancer; cervix is healthy; no treatment required; continue routine screening
Section 3: Interpretation
- ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance): Borderline finding; requires HPV reflex testing; approximately 5-10% of Pap smears; if HPV positive, colposcopy recommended; if HPV negative, routine screening
- LSIL (Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion): Mild dysplasia; often associated with HPV infection; risk of progression to higher-grade lesions; typically warrants colposcopy or HPV reflex testing; may regress spontaneously in younger women
- HSIL (High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion): Moderate to severe dysplasia; CIN2/CIN3 (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia); significant risk for cervical cancer; requires immediate colposcopy and possible excisional biopsy; strong recommendation for intervention
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Malignant cells present; indicates invasive cancer; requires urgent referral; staging studies and oncology consultation mandatory
- Adenocarcinoma: Malignant glandular cells; often endocervical origin; requires urgent evaluation and oncology referral
- Factors Affecting Results: Specimen quality and adequacy; timing during menstrual cycle; presence of inflammatory or infectious organisms; immunosuppression status; prior cervical procedures; smoking history; oral contraceptive use; pregnancy; hormone replacement therapy
- HPV Co-Testing Interpretation: Cytology negative/HPV negative = lowest risk; Cytology negative/HPV positive = intermediate risk; Cytology positive/HPV positive = higher risk requiring intervention
- Clinical Significance: Results guide management and prevention of cervical cancer; abnormal results indicate need for further investigation; normal results reassure low cancer risk but do not exclude all pathology
Section 4: Associated Organs
- Primary Organ: Cervix (lower portion of uterus); samples epithelial cells from ectocervix and transformation zone
- Related Organ Systems: Reproductive system; genital tract; endometrium (if adenocarcinoma cells detected)
- Associated Conditions - Benign: Cervicitis; bacterial vaginosis; trichomoniasis; candidiasis; cervical polyps; cervical cysts; endocervical hyperplasia; inflammation from contraceptive devices
- Associated Conditions - Neoplastic: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1, CIN2, CIN3); squamous cell carcinoma of cervix; adenocarcinoma of cervix; endocervical adenocarcinoma; cervical cancer
- HPV-Associated Conditions: Human papillomavirus infection (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68); genital warts; recurrent respiratory papillomatosis risk
- Risk Factors and Complications: Early sexual activity; multiple sexual partners; immunosuppression (HIV/AIDS); smoking; prolonged oral contraceptive use; pregnancy complications; increased cervical cancer risk with abnormal results; potential need for hysterectomy if malignancy confirmed
- Systemic Implications: Cervical cancer can metastasize to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bone; systemic investigation required if malignancy detected
Section 5: Follow-up Tests
- For ASCUS Results: HPV reflex testing (primary recommendation); repeat cytology in 12 months if HPV negative; colposcopy if HPV positive
- For LSIL Results: HPV reflex testing; colposcopy with possible biopsy; repeat cytology in 6-12 months; Cervical Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) if biopsy confirms CIN
- For HSIL Results: Immediate colposcopy; cervical biopsy; excisional biopsy if needed; LEEP procedure; possible cone biopsy; close surveillance post-treatment
- For Malignancy Results: Urgent colposcopy and biopsy; staging CT/MRI; PET scan; lymph node assessment; tumor staging studies; oncology consultation; possible hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation
- Complementary Tests: HPV genotyping; p16/Ki67 dual staining; liquid biopsy for circulating tumor DNA; viral serology if HPV suspected
- Post-Treatment Monitoring: Follow-up Pap smear or HPV testing at 6 months; annual screening for minimum 25 years; colposcopy if post-treatment abnormalities detected; assessment for treatment effectiveness
- Screening Intervals After Normal Results: Every 3 years for conventional screening; every 5 years with HPV co-testing; continue regular screening until age 65; increased frequency for HIV-positive women
- Additional Investigations: Pelvic ultrasound if endometrial pathology suspected; chest X-ray or CT chest if metastases suspected; lymph node imaging; colonoscopy if rectal involvement suspected
Section 6: Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: NO - No fasting required for Pap smear testing
- Medication Restrictions: No specific medications to avoid; continue all regular medications as scheduled; no need to discontinue contraceptives or hormone therapy
- Pre-Test Preparation: Avoid intercourse for 24-48 hours before test; do not use douche, tampons, or vaginal creams for 48 hours prior; avoid intravaginal medications 48 hours before; empty bladder before procedure for comfort
- Optimal Timing: Schedule 10-20 days after first day of last menstrual period (mid-cycle); avoid menstruation period; avoid heavy menstrual flow days; preferably not within 2 weeks before or after menstruation
- What to Expect During Procedure: Speculum inserted into vagina; gentle sampling of cervical cells with brush or spatula; quick procedure lasting 1-3 minutes; minimal discomfort; slight bleeding possible but usually minimal; cells placed in liquid-based cytology medium
- Special Instructions: Inform provider if pregnant; avoid testing during pregnancy unless medically necessary; inform about recent abnormal results or concerns; provide complete sexual and contraceptive history; disclose smoking status and immunosuppression
- Post-Test Instructions: May have minimal vaginal spotting or discharge; avoid intercourse for 24 hours if cervix irritated; normal activities can resume immediately; results typically available in 1-2 weeks; provider will contact if abnormal results

How our test process works!