Pap Smear

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is used to check the female cervix for abnormal cells and signs of cancer. The cervix is a narrow opening at the bottom part of the uterus (womb). The cervix is round and cone shaped, and joins the top part of the vagina. Your cervix is made of different kinds of cells and has a small opening in the middle. During a Pap test, your caregiver collects samples of the cells on and in your cervix. These are then placed in a container with liquid or on a thin piece of glass called a slide. The samples are sent to a lab to be tested and examined. A Pap test can also be used to check for germs and signs of infection in your vagina.
  
  
• The Pap test is an important test for checking on the health of your cervix. Caregivers will look carefully for any abnormal cells. Having regular Pap tests lets you and your caregiver know if your cells are becoming abnormal. Over time abnormal cervical cells may go on to turn into a cancer. Cells from your cervix usually show abnormal changes long before they become cancer. Knowing early that you have developed abnormal cervical cells lets your caregivers treat you even before you have cancer. Early treatment can help prevent cancer from appearing and causing damage.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

You may have some mild discomfort during the Pap test. If you do not have Pap tests, abnormal cells in your cervix may grow into a cancer. Caregivers will not be able to find and treat your cancer at an early stage. The cancer may grow and damage nearby tissues, or may spread to other parts of your body. Later treatment for cervical cancer is more difficult and may not cure your cancer. You may have pain and bleeding, lose weight and become weak, and die from the cancer. Call your caregiver if you questions or concerns about the Pap test.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Vital signs: This includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). To take your blood pressure, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives your blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to your heart and lungs by using a stethoscope. Your vital signs are taken so caregivers can see how you are doing.
  
  

During your procedure:

• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. At least one female caregiver will be in the room to help with your Pap test. Your caregiver will help you lie on the exam table and put your legs up in stirrups. Stirrups are footrest devices that help you keep your legs spread open without getting tired. This will be done so that your caregiver can see your vagina and do the Pap test. Your caregiver will gently insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum is used to spread open the walls of your vagina to let him see your cervix.
  
  
• Your caregiver will collect cells from the opening in the middle of your cervix. He will use a thin brush or a cotton swab to do this. He will then get samples from the surface of your cervix using a special tool called a spatula. The spatula is a long plastic or wood tool shaped to fit to the outside of the cervix. He may also scrape the upper part of the vagina to get samples. The speculum will be taken out of your vagina after your caregiver gets the samples. The samples will be placed in a container with liquid or on a slide (thin piece of glass). These are sent a lab and examined for abnormal cells.

After your procedure: You may go home when your caregiver sees that you are OK. Your caregiver will tell you when you will be contacted about your Pap test results.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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