Do Pap smears always detect cervical cancer?

The Pap test and HPV test are screening tests, not diagnostic tests. They cannot tell for certain if you have cervical cancer. An abnormal Pap test or HPV test result may mean more testing is needed to see if a cancer or a pre-cancer is present.

Can you still have cervical cancer with a normal smear?

You are very unlikely to develop cervical cancer if you have regular cervical screening tests at the times advised by your doctor. If the test shows any abnormality, you will have treatment to stop you ever getting cancer of the cervix. So, an abnormal test usually does not mean you have cancer.

Can cervical cancer be missed on a smear test?

But screening does not prevent all cases of cervical cancer. You can test negative for types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and still develop cervical cancer. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Abnormal cells in the cervix can also be missed.

Can you have cervical cancer with negative Pap?

That is, women who test negative on the HPV test have an extremely low risk of developing cervical cancer.

What kind of cancer does Pap smear detect?

The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancer except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.

What tests are done to check for cervical cancer?

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A Pap test is commonly used to screen for cervical cancer. After certain positive Pap test results, an HPV test may be done. An HPV test may be done with or without a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.

Does cervical cancer grow slowly?

Usually, cervical cancer grows slowly, but sometimes it can develop and spread quickly. Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that can occur in young women.

What type of cancer does pap smear detect?

Can you still have cervical cancer without HPV?

But HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer. Most women with HPV don’t get cervical cancer, and other risk factors, like smoking and HIV infection, influence which women exposed to HPV are more likely to develop cervical cancer.

Do cancer cells show up on Pap smear?

A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that’s at the top of your vagina. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future.

How would you know if you had cervical cancer?

If cervical cancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells. During the colposcopic examination, your doctor is likely to take a sample of cervical cells (biopsy) for laboratory testing.

What does a bad Pap smear result mean?

A negative pap smear result means that the results are normal while a positive result means that the results are abnormal. A positive pap smear result can be an indication that the cervix is affected by a number of things including inflammation, very early signs of cancer, more serious signs of cancer, and advanced cancer.

What to expect after an abnormal Pap smear?

Call your doctor if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, vaginal discharge or itching after a Pap test. The test results should be back in 1-2 weeks and call if you have not heard the results in 2 weeks.

How often do I need a Pap smear?

Pap smears usually start at age 21 and continue until age 65. A Pap smear alone may be done every 3 years. An HPV test alone or with a Pap smear may be done every 5 years, starting at age 30. You may need Pap smears more often or continuing after age 65 if you have any of the following: Abnormal Pap smear result.

What are the reasons for an abnormal Pap smear?

Sexually Transmitted Infections. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections,affecting about 75\% of sexually active people.