Le frottis is a medical procedure which consists of collect superficial cells by lightly rubbing with a small brush, a spatula or a special cotton swab. Once placed on a glass slide, the cells are examined under a microscope to observe any abnormalities.

The most common smear is Pap smear. This is a gynecological examination that involves taking cells from the cervix and to observe them under a microscope in order to analyze their appearance (in order to detect cancer or precancerous lesions).

Other types of smears can be done, including:

• le anal smear : taking cells from the lining of the anus which are then examined under a microscope to see if they have undergone any abnormal changes that could lead to cancer

• le blood smear : it consists of spreading a little blood on a glass slide and observing it under a microscope, in particular to check whether the different blood cells present or not have morphological abnormalities

• or the microbiological smear, carried out for example in the throat: taking a sample in order to carry out bacteriological or mycological examinations.

Remember that the cervix, located between the vagina anduterus, may be the seat ofpapillomavirus infections (or human papillomavirus, HPV), viruses that are transmitted sexually and can cause affected cells to develop into cancer cells. Thus, 70% of cervical cancers are due to a prior infection with the papillomavirus. the Cervical cancer is a silent disease, the symptoms of which are long imperceptible. It is the second leading cause of cancer in women worldwide, and its screening is therefore very important. According to the National Cancer Institute, in France, it is recommended to have a smear every three years, between 25 and 65 years.

In Quebec, this examination is also called ” PAP test Or Papanicolaou smear (named after the doctor who put it in place).

The patient is placed in a gynecological position while the doctor introduces a speculum in order to rule out walls of the vagina. He then removes cells from the surface of the cervix using a special cotton swab or small brush. The review is quick.

The cells are placed on a glass slide, fixed and a dye is added. They are then sent to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope. Because cancer cells do not look the same as normal cells, they can be detected.

Depending on the appearance of the cells, the doctor can determine if they are normal or if the cervix has an infection, precancerous or cancerous lesions.

This test also makes it possible to monitor the evolution of precancerous cells and to ensure that the cancer does not come back after treatment.

Note that it is important to have regular screening, because the smear is not a 100% reliable test and the cells can change over time.

If there is no abnormality on two consecutive smears, it is recommended to repeat the examination every 2 or 3 years.

If the examination reveals an abnormality, the doctor may perform other tests:

• a viral test, to confirm the presence of papillomavirus infection or yeast infection

• a biopsy

Note that there is a vaccine against cervical cancer, which protects against the main types of papillomavirus. However, this vaccine does not replace smear screening, which remains essential.