Pap Smear

A pap smear test is a simple bedside procedure that can be performed by your doctor, primarily to test for abnormal changes in cells, such as cancer.

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What Is A Pap Smear?

A pap smear test is a simple bedside procedure that can be performed by your doctor, primarily to test for abnormal changes in cells, such as cancer. The procedure involves introducing an instrument known as a speculum carefully into the vagina. The doctor will obtain a tissue sample from the cervix with a brush for further testing.

The purpose of pap smear screening is to detect precancerous changes in the cervix. When you get a pap smear, the sample of cells will then be sent to the lab to be reviewed under a microscope for early abnormal changes, especially cancer. The main intention to treat and prevent further progression of cervical cancer.

Are Pap Smears Painful?

Most women might find this process for the pap smear to be slightly uncomfortable, but no lasting pain is usually caused.

How Long Does It Take To Get Pap Smear Results In Singapore?

Pap smear results generally will be released to you in 4-6 weeks after the test in Singapore. The test will indicate if your results are normal or abnormal.

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How Often Do I Need A Pap Smear?

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) & Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommend women who are sexually active to have routine pap smears from the age of 25 years onwards.

Women should get a pap smear every 3 years until the age of 65, provided the findings have been normal. However, one may be advised for more frequent pap smears, even up to 3-6 months in between pap smears for specific individuals.

What Should I Do If I Have An Abnormal Pap Smear Results?

Abnormal pap smear result does not equate to having cervical cancer. It just means you have abnormal cells that need further evaluation from your doctor to determine if the changes could mean or lead to cancer. Abnormal cells can also commonly be caused by infection or cervical cell changes due to hormonal changes after menopause. These can be treated with antibiotics or hormonal cream.

In some abnormal pap smears, your doctor may advise you for further colposcopy examination

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a simple outpatient procedure performed by your trained doctor or gynecologist. A colposcope is an instrument that shines a beam of lights into the cervix and magnifies the area. Similar to pap smear, your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina for visualization. The doctor will then perform a biopsy over the affected area for further cell evaluation in the lab.

What Happens If I Have Abnormal Cervical Cells?

Your gynecologist will discuss different treatment options for precancerous changes of the cervix.

In mild cases, you may be offered close monitoring with more frequent and regular repeat of pap smear or colposcopy.

In women with concerns of early cervical cancer changes with small invasions of the abnormal cells, your gynecologist may offer treatment options such as:

Ablative treatment in the form of Laser or cryotherapy
LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)
Cone biopsy
Excision

Do not hesitate to discuss further the treatment with your doctor.

Is Pap Smear Necessary With The Completion Of Cervical Cancer Vaccination?

There are over 150 strands of HPV viruses. Although the vaccination reduces the risks of cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine only covers the common nine strains of the HPV, it does not prevent all possible forms of cervical cancer. This vaccine is available in Singapore. Ladies who have completed HPV (HPV-9 Valent) vaccination are still advisable for a routine pap smear when they are sexually active.

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Cervical cancer is the 9th most common cancer among women in Singapore. Every year, there are approximately 300 Singaporean women diagnosed with cervical cancer. The cervix is a structure at the lower narrowed end of the uterus. It opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when the cervical cells grow in an uncontrolled, abnormal fashion, leading to damage and invasion of other parts of the body.

Cervical cancer is curable if detected early; hence, cervical cancer awareness is paramount. Early cancer detection is the best way to ensure effective treatment and cancer.

FAQ

Can Anal Pap Smear be used to detect other conditions apart from anal cancer?

Anal Pap Smear only helps to identify precancerous or cancerous cells in your anal region.

Is there any downtime associated with the procedure?

There is no downtime associated with this type of procedure. It is a straightforward procedure that only takes a few minutes and won’t cause any type of physical harm.

How soon can I get my Anal Pap Smear results?

Your Anal Pap Smear results should be out in just a few days. At DB Clinic, our doctor will give you a call to share those results with you. If in any case your test results reflect abnormal cells, you will be asked to come in for more extensive tests, which may include a biopsy, an anoscopy, or a digital exam.

Can Anal Pap Smear detect HPV?

It’s worth noting that this test does not check for HPV strains. Instead, it only looks for anal changes that may be caused by HPV infections.