A Pap test helps to detect cervical cancer early. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for pre-cancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
Doctors utilise a Pap smear test to diagnose cervical cancer. A doctor takes a sample of cells from the surface of your cervix to perform this test. These cells are then analysed in a lab for precancerous or cancerous alterations. If these changes are discovered, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy, or cervix examination.
A biopsy, which is a sample of cervical cells, may be taken during this procedure.
Speaking to The Informer, Kibera Human Development Project Medical Centre Director, Dr Stanley Simiyu notes that it is a recommended to have routine cervical cancer screening regardless of your sexual history.
Tests used to screen for cervical cancer include the Pap test and the HPV test. Your doctor can help you understand whether one or both of these tests is best for you.
The cells collected during the Pap test are analysed in a lab to see if they are cancerous or if they have changes that might indicate an increased risk of cervical cancer,” he explains.
A Pap test, as well as a pelvic check up, should be part of your regular healthcare. It can aid in the detection of cancer-causing cells. If you have frequent Pap tests and pelvic exams, your healthcare professional can detect most cervical malignancies early.
Cervical cancer is more likely to be successfully treated if caught early.
The Pap test is useful for finding cancerous cells, and other cervical and vaginal problems such as:
- Pre-cancerous cells and inflammation.
- Your healthcare provider may use a Pap test to diagnose the following conditions:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Abnormal cells
- Precancerous cells
- Cancer
The early warning signs of cervical cancer
- Vaginal bleeding (either after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause)
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (heavy or with a foul odour)
- Pain during intercourse.
- Pelvic pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Pain and swelling in legs.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Decreased appetite.
Cervical cancer causes
The sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) causes the majority of cervical cancer cases. It is the same virus that causes genital warts.
There are over 100 distinct HPV strains. Cervical cancer is caused by only a few varieties. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the two most frequent kinds that cause malignancy.
Cervical cancer is not inevitable if you are infected with a cancer-causing strain of HPV.
The vast majority of HPV infections are cleared by your immune system within two years.
Other malignancies can be caused by HPV in both men and women. Among them are:
- vulvar cancer
- vaginal cancer
- penile cancer
- anal cancer
- rectal cancer
- throat cancer
Cervical cancer stages
Your doctor will attribute a stage to your cancer after you’ve been diagnosed.
The stage indicates whether or not the cancer has spread and, if so, how far.
Staging your cancer can assist your doctor in determining the best therapy option for you.
Stage 1: The cancer is small. It may have spread to the lymph nodes. It hasn’t spread to other parts of your body.
Stage 2: The cancer is larger. It may have spread outside of the uterus and cervix or to the lymph nodes. It still hasn’t reached other parts of your body.
Stage 3: The cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or to the pelvis.
It may be blocking the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. It hasn’t spread to other parts of your body.
Stage 4: The cancer may have spread outside of the pelvis to organs like your lungs, bones, or liver.