Cervical cytology is the study of cells found in the cervix of women, often done through a Pap smear, to detect abnormal cellular changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Regular screening is recommended for women, with guidelines on when and how often to get tested. Risk factors include early sexual activity, multiple partners, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
The term cervical refers to the cervix, which is a part of the female reproductive tract found in the lower part of the uterus. Cytology, on the other hand, denotes the study of cells, including their functions, anatomy, and chemistry. Cervical cytology, therefore, is primarily the study of cells found in the cervix of women. It involves screening for early detection of cervical dysplasia or abnormal cellular changes that can sometimes lead to the formation of cervical cancer.
A cervical cytology test, often called a Pap smear, is usually done in an obstetrician’s or gynecologist’s clinic. It is often done in conjunction with the pelvic exam, which is an examination of the vagina, uterus, and rectum. To evaluate the cervix, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to open the walls and make the cervix visible to the examiner. The cervical cells are then scraped and placed in liquid medium to be sent to the laboratory for liquid cytology studies. Under a microscope, the pathologist studies the cells and prepares a cytology report based on his findings.
The cervical cytology study can usually detect the presence of abnormal cells that have a higher chance of turning into cancer later on. With early detection, the cure rate is also significantly better. Because this type of cancer tends to grow very slowly, regular screening often helps catch it in its development process. Proper management can then be given to women with positive cervical cytology results. A positive cervical cytology report describes the presence of abnormal cells or the presence of cancerous cells.
Women of reproductive age are often encouraged to be screened using the Pap smear. Some organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), primarily recommend that women should have their first cervical cytology screening test at age 21. Others recommend screening after three years of first sexual contact and also at age 21, or whichever comes first.
There are also several guidelines on how often women should get tested. Some guidelines suggest that women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap smear every two years. At age 30 and older, it should generally be every three years, if they have previously shown three consecutive negative Pap test results. If there are abnormal results, the test is usually done more frequently, depending on the needs of the treating doctor.
Several factors increase the risk of developing cervical cancer in some women. These factors include early age of first sexual contact, having multiple sexual partners, or having a partner who has had a previous history of multiple sexual encounters. Infections from sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and human papillomavirus (HPV), also often increase a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.
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