Pap smear
GYNECOLOGY
Gynecological Consultation + Pap Smear: $1,300
What is a Pap smear?
PRICE IN NATIONAL CURRENCY OF THE COUNTRY OF MEXICO.
$ 900
Also known as vaginal cytology, it is a simple diagnostic test that involves taking a sample of cervical cells by vaginal brushing to detect abnormal cells or cells with alterations that could lead to cervical cancer in women.
The sample is then sent to the laboratory where the cellular characteristics are evaluated.
When infected with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), these cells are altered, causing a lesion that can develop into cancer.
Early detection of cervical cancer through a Pap test is extremely important, as it gives you a greater chance of cure. It also detects changes in cervical cells that indicate the potential for cancer to develop in the future; it is the first step in preventing the development of cervical cancer.
The optimal age for performing a Pap test is unknown, and this is documented by the natural history of HPV infection and cervical cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that screening be performed reliably within three years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first, or if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Beginning of sexual relations before the age of 18
- Previously presenting any HPV symptoms or lesions
- Women aged 25 to 64
- Multiple sexual partners (male or female)
- History of any type of sexually transmitted infection
- Smoking
- Malnutrition
- Antioxidant deficiencies
- Patients with immunodeficiencies
Generally, a gynecology specialist performs the Pap smear; however, you can have it done in a doctor's office by a nurse or a health clinic who has received prior training in the screening process. It is best to have your primary gynecologist perform it to ensure timely monitoring and medical records.
And how is a Pap smear performed?
The test is performed in your doctor's office and only takes a few minutes. You may be asked to undress completely or only from the waist down (which is common). You will lie on your back on an examination table with your knees bent and your heels resting on supports called stirrups. The doctor will carefully insert an instrument called a speculum (known colloquially as a "duck") into your vagina. The speculum holds the walls of the vagina apart so the doctor can easily see the cervix (insertion of the speculum may cause a feeling of pressure in your pelvic area). The doctor will then take samples of cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat scraping device called a spatula. This is usually painless, but occasionally it can cause mild discomfort.
It is the health center's responsibility to share the test results with you and offer a consultation with a doctor or specialist who will explain the results.
If abnormal or unusual cells are found on your test, you are said to have a positive Pap test result. A positive result does not mean you have cervical cancer. What a positive result means depends on the type of cells discovered on the test.
Below are some terms your doctor might use and what you can do about it:
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that grow on the surface of a healthy cervix. In the case of ASC-US, the Pap test reveals slightly abnormal squamous cells, but the changes do not necessarily indicate the presence of precancerous cells.
With the liquid-based test, your doctor can retest the sample to check for the presence of viruses known to promote cancer development, such as some types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
If no high-risk viruses are found, the abnormal cells found in the test are not of major concern. If alarming viruses are found, you will need to undergo further testing determined by a specialist.
- Squamous intraepithelial lesion. This term is used to indicate that the cells collected from the Pap test may be precancerous.
If the changes are low-grade, this means that the size, shape, and other characteristics of the cells suggest that if a precancerous lesion is present, it is likely years away from developing into cancer.
If the changes are high-grade, there is a greater chance that the lesion will develop into cancer much sooner. Additional diagnostic testing, as prescribed by a gynecologic oncologist, is necessary.
- Atypical glandular cells. Glandular cells produce mucus at the opening of the cervix and inside the uterus. Atypical glandular cells may appear slightly abnormal, but it is not clear whether they are cancerous or not.
Additional tests will be ordered by your doctor to determine the origin of the abnormal cells and their significance.
- Squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. This result means that the cells collected on the Pap test appear so abnormal that the pathologist is almost certain of the presence of cancer.
"Squamous cell carcinoma" refers to cancers that arise in the flat surface cells of the vagina or cervix. "Adenocarcinoma" refers to cancers that arise in glandular cells. If these cells are found, you should consult a gynecologic oncologist, who will recommend immediate and specific evaluations.
If the Pap test is abnormal, your doctor may perform a procedure called a colposcopy to examine the tissues of the cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Your doctor may also remove a tissue sample (biopsy) from any areas that appear abnormal. The tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to provide a definitive diagnosis.
What are the indications for taking a Pap smear?
To ensure the most accurate Pap test results, avoid sexual intercourse for 2 to 3 days before the test. Also, to avoid shedding abnormal cells, avoid using the following for 2 to 3 days before the test:
- Tampons
- Contraceptive foams
- Vaginal treatments such as suppositories or ointments
- Douches
- Vaginal creams or powders
The best time to schedule your Pap test is at least 5 days after the end of your menstrual period. The Pap test can be performed during your period, but it is best to schedule the test at another time.
How often is a Pap smear recommended?
If you are between 21 and 29 years old, it is recommended to have a Pap test every 3 years, provided each result shows no abnormalities.
If you are between 30 and 65 years old, you have three options:
- Get a Pap test every 3 years.
- Get a human papillomavirus (HPV) screening test every 5 years.
- Get a Pap test and a human papillomavirus (HPV) screening test every 5 years.
Where can I get a Pap smear?
There are many gynecology clinics in León, Guanajuato, with obstetric and oncology specialists, staff, equipment, and safe, comfortable, and first-class facilities.
We are dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating all types of gynecological conditions with excellent care, prioritizing ethics, humane treatment, health, and well-being at a fair and affordable price.