{"id":9747,"date":"2024-09-02T04:57:07","date_gmt":"2024-09-02T01:57:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9747"},"modified":"2026-06-18T14:42:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T11:42:08","slug":"pap-test-key-analysis-for-early-detection-of-cervical-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/pap-test-key-analysis-for-early-detection-of-cervical-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Pap test: a key test for early detection of cervical cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"201\"><strong data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"201\">What is a Pap test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"455\">The Pap test, or Papanicolaou smear, is a cytological examination of cervical cells that detects precancerous changes or early stages of cancer. It is named after the Greek physician Georgios Papanicolaou, who developed the method in the 1940s.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"619\">The test is one of the most effective cervical cancer screening tools, recommended by the WHO and national health programs in many countries.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"657\"><strong data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"657\">Who needs a Pap test and when?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"692\">It is recommended to undergo a Pap test:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"694\" data-end=\"898\">\n<li data-start=\"694\" data-end=\"731\">\n<p data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"731\">women aged from <strong data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"731\">21 to 65 years old<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"806\">\n<p data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"806\">every <strong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"750\">3 years<\/strong> (or every 5 years if combined with HPV test)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"898\">\n<p data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"898\">regardless of symptoms or sexual activity (except for those under 21 years of age)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"946\">The test is especially important for women who have:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"1089\">\n<li data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"980\">\n<p data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"980\">early onset of sexual activity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1009\">\n<p data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1009\">multiple sexual partners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1044\">\n<p data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1044\">smoking or immunodeficiency states<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1089\">\n<p data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1089\">history of HPV or cervical dysplasia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1120\"><strong data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1120\">How the procedure works<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1166\">A Pap test is a quick and painless procedure:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1392\">\n<li data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1262\">\n<p data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1262\">A doctor or nurse takes a swab from the cervix using a special brush or spatula.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1263\" data-end=\"1333\">\n<p data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1333\">The sample is placed on glass or in a liquid medium (liquid cytology).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1334\" data-end=\"1392\">\n<p data-start=\"1337\" data-end=\"1392\">The sample is sent to a laboratory for cell analysis.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1490\">The procedure lasts no more than 5 minutes, does not require anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1490\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9749\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/66-6.jpg\" alt=\"microscopic image of cells from a Pap test\" width=\"854\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/66-6.jpg 854w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/66-6-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/66-6-600x365.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/66-6-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/66-6-768x468.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1528\"><strong data-start=\"1495\" data-end=\"1528\">How to prepare for a Pap test<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1530\" data-end=\"1567\">To make the result as accurate as possible:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1765\">\n<li data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1608\">\n<p data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1608\">do not take the test during menstruation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1609\" data-end=\"1662\">\n<p data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1662\"><strong data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1636\">abstain from sex<\/strong> 24 hours before the procedure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1721\">\n<p data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1721\">do not use <strong data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1721\">vaginal creams, pills, suppositories<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1765\">\n<p data-start=\"1724\" data-end=\"1765\">do not douche 2 days before the test<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1855\">These factors can change the cellular structure or wash away the cells that need to be examined.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1883\"><strong data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"1883\">What does a Pap test show?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1885\" data-end=\"1918\">Pap test results can be:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"2201\">\n<li data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1962\">\n<p data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1962\"><strong data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1938\">Norm (NILM)<\/strong> \u2013 cells without pathologies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2016\">\n<p data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"2016\"><strong data-start=\"1965\" data-end=\"1975\">ASC-US<\/strong> \u2013 atypical cells of unclear significance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2095\">\n<p data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2095\"><strong data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2032\">LSIL\/HSIL<\/strong> \u2013 mild or severe abnormalities that may indicate dysplasia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2144\">\n<p data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2144\"><strong data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2105\">AGC<\/strong> \u2013 atypical glandular epithelial cells<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2201\">\n<p data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2201\"><strong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2165\">Suspicion of cancer<\/strong> \u2013 requires urgent further examination<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2313\">If abnormalities are detected, additional tests may be recommended: colposcopy, biopsy, or HPV test.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2696\" data-end=\"2721\"><strong data-start=\"2699\" data-end=\"2721\">Benefits of the Pap test<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"2923\">\n<li data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"2758\">\n<p data-start=\"2725\" data-end=\"2758\">Early detection of precancerous changes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2812\">\n<p data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"2812\">Reduction in cervical cancer mortality by 70\u201380%<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2813\" data-end=\"2859\">\n<p data-start=\"2815\" data-end=\"2859\">Easy to implement and highly informative<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2923\">\n<p data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"2923\">Possibility of combining with HPV test to increase accuracy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"2948\"><strong data-start=\"2928\" data-end=\"2948\">Limitations of the method<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2950\" data-end=\"3129\">\n<li data-start=\"2950\" data-end=\"3006\">\n<p data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3006\">Does not detect all types of cancer (e.g. endometrial)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3065\">\n<p data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3065\">Possible <strong data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3065\">false positive or false negative results<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3066\" data-end=\"3129\">\n<p data-start=\"3068\" data-end=\"3129\">Requires regularity: a one-time test is not a guarantee of safety<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3191\"><strong data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3191\">Modern variations: liquid cytology and Pap test + HPV<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3460\">Newer techniques, such as liquid-based cytology, provide higher accuracy and reduce the number of false-positive results. Combined Pap + HPV testing allows you to detect not only cell changes, but also <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/human-papillomavirus-vpl-how-it-is-transmitted-what-it-causes-and-how-it-is-cured\/\"   title=\"Human papillomavirus (HPV): how it is transmitted, what it causes and how to protect yourself\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"138\">human papillomavirus<\/a>, which is the main cause of 99% cases of cervical cancer.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3462\" data-end=\"3626\">Thanks to these methods, modern prevention of gynecological diseases has reached a new level - an effective, affordable, and personalized approach to women&#039;s health.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3796\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/svitlooptychni-doslizhennya\/pap-test-with-the-method-of-liquid-cytology\/\">Pap test<\/a> \u2014 is more than an analysis. It is a simple but powerful tool that gives women a chance to learn about the threat in time and take action. Timely testing saves lives.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Pap test? A Pap test, or Papanicolaou smear, is a cytological examination of cervical cells that allows you to detect precancerous changes or<\/p>","protected":false},"author":97,"featured_media":9748,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[235],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zhinoche-zdorov-ya"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/97"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9747"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9747\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13546,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9747\/revisions\/13546"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9748"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}