A highly effective screening test for cervical cancer with our gynecology services, the pap smear should play an ongoing role in a woman’s preventative health screening regimen. During a pap smear, the doctor swabs cell samples from the cervix for testing. Screening should begin at the age of 21 and continue every three years. If results are consistently normal, these tests can be spread out to once every five years once a woman hits the age of 30.
But what if the results are not found to be normal? The most common cause of an abnormal pap smear is the presence of the sexually transmitted disease HPV. Cell changes may also be detected due to menopause or other infections. Specifically, after the age of 24, treatment will be geared around the removal of affected tissue with evidence of highly precancerous lesions.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for more information about any of our gynecology services.
