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Cytology is a diagnostic technique used in gynecology that allows early detection of changes in the cervix. The method consists in taking smears and their evaluation under a microscope.
The doctor or midwife should take the sample with a professional brush (pictured below). You must not agree to take the smear with swabs placed on a stick, or with a spatula, or even less with your finger. Only the brush allows you to collect cells not only from the cervical disc, but also from its canal. Only such a study is reliable. Samples taken – from the canal and from the cervix disc are placed on separate special slides and fixed with appropriate reagents. Then these samples go to the laboratory.
Cytology allows you to assess the condition of the cervix, and also detects all disturbing changes, such as inflammation, erosions and cancer cells, even in the very early and thus fully treatable stage of cervical cancer.
The first cytology should be performed after the start of sexual intercourse. After that, every woman should have a Pap smear test regularly once a year, and certainly not less frequently than once every three years. Then it is worth performing a pap smear in a center recommended by the Population Program for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer (the list of offices can be found at www.bezplatnacytologia.pl). It is best to report for the examination between the fourth day after menstruation and the fourth day before the next menstruation. The day before the examination, you should not have sex. It is also worth waiting a few days after using any vaginal products and irrigation. Taking a Pap smear is painless.
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The cytology result can be picked up a few days after the examination. It can be presented in a descriptive version (the so-called Bethesda scoring system) or in the five-point Papanicolau scale, which is now less used. The Papanicolau scale does not reflect contemporary views on cervical cancer, nor does it take into account numerous non-cancerous changes in this organ. Therefore, a normal Pap smear result should include the results of both these systems.
The Bethesda result should include:
- Information whether the smear contains quantitatively and qualitatively appropriate material to be assessed
- A general statement of whether the Pap smear is normal or not
- A detailed description of the changes identified, in accordance with the applicable terminology, including, inter alia, determination of the type of infection, reparative changes, presence of abnormal epithelial cells, other cancer cells and assessment of the patient’s hormonal status.
According to specialists, this division is sufficient to make the right decisions regarding further diagnostic procedures. To be sure that the swab has been taken with the right tools and will be assessed by experienced cytologists in reliable, professional laboratories, it is best to use the cytological tests proposed by the Population Program for Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer.
Prof. dr hab. Jerzy Stelmachów, National Consultant in the field of Oncological Gynecology
| The Polish Coalition to Fight Cervical Cancer has developed a comprehensive project of preventive measures. The introduction of the proposed solutions will make it possible to significantly reduce the dramatically high number of deaths due to cervical cancer in Poland. Each vote of support will increase the chances of a serious social discussion on this topic. Support the RSM Coalition. Accelerate the changes. |