A Pap smear involves collecting a sample from the cervix to test for abnormal cells that are cancerous or could lead to cervical cancer. The procedure typically only lasts for a minute, if that.

When a Pap smear indicates inflammation, it means that the cervical cells appear irritated. This doesn’t automatically point to cancer but can result from a number of benign or infectious causes ...

Image Credit: Kzenon/Shutterstock.com. Understanding Pap smears. A cervical smear is a test that uses cells collected with a small spatula or soft brush from the uterine cervix.

Discover the most common abnormal Pap smear causes, including HPV, cervical dysplasia, and more. Learn what each result means and the next steps to take.

The Pap smear detects changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous, allowing doctors to act early and prevent the ...

But, as you point out in your letter, Pap smears are an important part of preventive care. It is recommended that women start getting tested for cervical cancer at age 21 and have a Pap smear ...

A Pap smear is a vital screening tool for early detection of cervical cancer, ... (HPV), a common virus that can cause cervical cells to become cancerous. Pap test to start at the age of 21 years.

Berens noted that while some aspects of Pap and HPV testing have remained the same -- using a speculum to access the cervix, taking a sample of cells, and having it tested in a lab to look for ...

In a pap smear, a gynecologist uses a speculum to open the walls of the vagina, and then uses an instrument to collect cells from the cervix. As the Mayo Clinic notes, it “may feel uncomfortable.

A Pap smear looks for abnormal cells that could indicate cancer down the line. arcyto - stock.adobe.com. The primary cause for cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus.

Despite the Pap smear’s effectiveness, the drop in cervical cancer deaths has leveled off since 2008. In the United States, about 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and ...