What You Should Know About
Cervical Cancer and Pap Tests

What Is Cancer of the Cervix?
Cancer of the cervix is a malignancy of the cells lining the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). It opens into the vagina and connects the womb with the vagina.

Who Is At Risk?
Women who have had sex at an early age, multiple sexual partners, or more than 5 pregnancies have a greater risk of cervical cancer. Also at risk are smokers, and young women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy. Cervical cancer can occur at any age with the peak for cancer in situ (confined to original site) being between ages 30 and 40. The peak for invasive cancer is ages 40-50.

What Are the Symptoms?
Early cancers often cause no symptoms but can cause unusual bleeding or discharge. Late symptoms include pelvic pain, back pain, and leg swelling.

Who Should Have a Pap Test?
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women who are currently sexually active, have previously been sexually active, or have reached age 18, have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After a woman has had three or more normal examinations in consecutive years, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of her physician after reviewing the risk factors. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists recommends yearly Pap tests for all women regardless of previous findings.

How Should I Prepare for a Pap Test?

• Don't douche for at least three days before your Pap test. If you do, there won't be enough loose cells in your cervical fluid for an accurate test.
• Don't use tampons, or use vaginal medications or contraceptives for 72 hours before your appointment.
• Schedule you exam at the optimum time--two weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. Do not schedule it during your menstrual period.

Can a Pap Test Detect Cancer of the Uterus?
The Pap test is very accurate in detecting cervical cancer. It is substantially less accurate for detecting cancer of the body of the uterus (endometrium), the fallopian tubes, or the ovaries. In cases where these types of cancer are discovered through a Pap test, it is because the cancer cells have passed down through the fallopian tube into the cavity of the uterus and continued out through the cervix and into the vaginal discharge.

What Is Dysplasia?
The cells covering the cervix usually go through mild to severe changes before becoming cancerous. These precancerous changes are dysplasia. Dysplasia does not always lead to cancer, but should be followed up and treated to avoid developing cancer. It most often occurs in women between the ages of 25 and 35, but it may also develop in women in their teens or early 20's.

What Happens if I Have an Abnormal Pap Test?
A biopsy may be needed in order to get a definite diagnosis of dysplasia or cancer. Your doctor may also perform a colposcopy. During this examination, the doctor views the cervix with a colposcope, which is a microscope on a stand. This gives a magnified view of the cervix, showing greater detail than can be seen with normal eyesight. Biopsies can also be done during this examination.

If the Biopsy Is Positive for Cancer What Other Tests Will I Have?
Before treatment is started, the doctor will usually perform a chest x-ray, an intravenous pyelogram (kidney x-ray) and some blood tests. Other examinations such as CAT scans to check for cancer in the liver or lymph nodes may also be recommended.

What Is the Treatment for Cervical Cancer and Dysplasia?
Cervical dysplasia can be treated with freezing (cryotherapy), vaporization with a laser, removal using a wire loop (LEEP), or by use of a scalpel (conization). The type of treatment for cervical cancer depends on a number of factors that your doctor would explain. Cervical cancer that is invasive will be treated with surgery (hysterectomy) and/or radiation therapy. Some patients may require chemotherapy.

Cervical cancer is 100% curable if detected early!

See related Patient Textbooks about Cancer Center or Obstetrics and Gynecology.

See related Patient Topics Cancer Center, Cancer--General, Cancers, Cervical Cancer, Gynecologic Oncology, Laboratory Tests, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Procedures and Therapies or Women's Health.

See related Provider Textbooks about Cancer Center or Obstetrics and Gynecology.

See related Provider Topics Cancer Center, Cancer--General, Cancers, Cervical Cancer, Gynecologic Oncology, Laboratory Tests, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Procedures and Therapies or Women's Health.

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