Screening & Diagnosis
Regular screening can prevent cervical cancer by detecting abnormal changes in the cervical cells when they are pre-cancerous and can be treated.
Although the knowledge level of pap smear is high, most women are not screened annually.
It is important to detect the disease when it is in the pre-cancerous stage because with proper treatment at this time the cure rate is almost 100 %. The following are the means of detection.
(1) Pap Smear Test
(2) Colposcopy
(3) Cone Biopsy
When should a Pap Smear be done ?
Once a woman is sexually active and repeated after one year. After that, the pap smear can be done annually.
Pap Smear Result
It will indicate whether the smear is normal or abnormal. If you have an abnormal test result, your doctor will advise further investigations such as Colposcopy and Cone Biopsy.
Colposcopy
The cells and distribution of vessels are seen under a binocular microscope. Abnormal distribution of blood vessels and cells can be detected.
A biopsy is taken if abnormalities are found.
Cone Biopsy
Cone Biopsy is done when the upper limit of possible abnormalities cannot be seen by Colposcopy. In pre-cancerous of the cervix, removal of all the abnormal tissues by cone biopsy can be a form of treatment.
