Cytology of the cervix

Cytology of the cervix is the most important tool for revealing its pathological changes. The massive use of this analysis can reduce the death rate from cancer of this organ by a factor of 10.

Ideally, cervical cytology should be performed annually with a routine examination at a gynecologist at age 19. If several times good results are obtained, then the period through which swabs are given can be doubled.

If a woman has genital herpes, HPV, deviations in previous analyzes, then the cytological examination should be done every six months. In addition, women with infertility, obesity, uterine bleeding, and hormones are at risk. Regular delivery of a smear will allow to reveal changes earlier, when treatment is most effective. With good results of all tests, they can be stopped after 65 years.

Today, cytology in gynecology is widely used. In any medical center this analysis is carried out, and in the women's consultation it is absolutely free.

While cytology of the cervix is very easy, fast and painless, it is a very informative analysis. It is also called the Pap test in honor of a doctor from Greece, Papanikolaou, who introduced this test in the middle of the last century into medical practice.

The patient can receive the following results of cytology of the cervix :

• 1 type - all cells are normal;

• 2 type - there are small changes due to inflammation, it is necessary to discover the cause and be treated;

• 3 type - dysplasia and hyperplasia, there are cells with anomalies of the nucleus, but there are very few of them;

• 4 type - a suspicion of cancer, in the smear there are cells with malignant changes;

• 5 type - cancer, a large number of atypical cells.

If a non-1 type is obtained, additional research should be done. To do colposcopy is to study the cervix under a microscope when it is stained with various solutions. In addition, it is necessary to conduct a biopsy - a histological examination of tissue taken from a suspicious area. It is necessary to retake and a cytological smear. And only then draw conclusions.

The reliability of the results depends on the doctor who takes the analysis, from the person looking at the microscope, and from the correctness of the preparation for it. Before delivery of a smear within 2 days follows:

• Exclude sex;

• Not to do syringing;

• Do not use vaginal suppositories, sprays, tablets.

The analysis should be done after menstruation, and before it 2 hours do not urinate. In addition, the smear should be taken by a doctor before a two-handed examination and dyeing the neck with iodine. After analysis for several days, brown discharge may be observed. In addition, during this period it is better to take care of yourself, to refrain from sex, douching, the use of candles. The results of the smear are usually ready in a day or two. In 20% of cases they turn out to be false (therefore, with the slightest suspicion of unreliability of the results, the doctor will appoint a second study).

The gynecologist at the inspection introduces a mirror into the vagina, and then uses a brush or spatula to take a scraping from certain places of the cervix. The resulting material is applied to the glass, which is sent to the laboratory. There, a specialist studies it under a microscope and draws a conclusion about the structure of the cells.

Today, cervical cancer is very common, accounting for 75% of all malignant neoplasms of the genital area in women. Scientists have already proven the role of 18 and 16 types of HPV in its formation. Especially dangerous is its combination with genital herpes caused by its second type. Women with these viruses are at risk.

Thus, cervical cytology is the most important diagnostic tool for detecting its cancer at an early stage. Today this disease is successfully treated with timely detection. Therefore, to preserve life and health, it is necessary to regularly submit this simple analysis to all women.