You can get a Pap test at your doctor or nurse’s office, a community health clinic, the health department, or your local Planned Parenthood health center.
How long does it take to get Pap smear results?
It can take as long as three weeks to receive your test results. If your test shows that something might not be normal, your doctor will contact you and figure out how best to follow up. There are many reasons why test results might not be normal. It usually does not mean you have cancer.
How much is Pap smear?
The cost of a Pap smear varies but not too much. All in all, it should cost less than $100 with insurance in the United States. If you’re paying out of pocket, expect the costs to range from $25 to $150. And don’t forget there may be medical facilities in your area that offer Pap smears at a lower cost or at no cost.
Can you have cervical cancer with a normal Pap smear?
The Pap test and HPV test are screening tests, not diagnostic tests. They cannot tell for certain if you have cervical cancer. An abnormal Pap test or HPV test result may mean more testing is needed to see if a cancer or a pre-cancer is present.
Where can I do Pap smear test? – Related Questions
What does cervical cancer feel like to touch?
Tumor. You’re not going to be able to feel it by pressing around on top of your stomach, but if you slide your finger into your cervix, it should feel smooth — “like a shiny, pink doughnut,” says Dr. Williams. If you feel something rough instead, see a doctor ASAP.
What does cervical cancer discharge look like?
With cervical cancer, you may notice discharge that is foul-smelling and pink, brown or bloody in colour. Sometimes, the discharge may include chunks of tissue or necrotic material as a result of infection of the tumours, creating a foul smelling vaginal discharge.
Can cervical cancer be missed on a smear test?
But screening does not prevent all cases of cervical cancer. You can test negative for types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and still develop cervical cancer. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Abnormal cells in the cervix can also be missed.
How effective are Pap smears in detecting cervical cancer?
Accuracy of the Pap Test
Such studies have rarely been done for any screening test for cervical cancer. Studies that compare the Pap test with repeat Pap testing have found that the sensitivity of any abnormality on a single test for detecting high-grade lesions is 55% to 80%.
Does cancer show up in Pap smear?
The Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancer except for cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn what you can do to reduce your risk.
Do Pap smears always detect cancer?
No. A Pap test can’t reliably detect ovarian cancer. A Pap test is a procedure that involves collecting cells from your cervix and examining them under a microscope. A Pap test can detect cervical cancer and changes in your cervical cells that may increase your risk of cervical cancer in the future.
What does vaginal cancer look like?
These can include: An area on the vulva that looks different from normal – it could be lighter or darker than the normal skin around it, or look red or pink. A bump or lump, which could be red, pink, or white and could have a wart-like or raw surface or feel rough or thick. Thickening of the skin of the vulva.
What should you not do before a Pap smear?
Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells. Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period.
How long can you have cervical cancer without knowing?
Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.
What are the symptoms of Stage 1 cervical cancer?
Cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you do have symptoms, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between periods or after the menopause.
What was your first cervical cancer symptom?
Early signs of cervical cancer
Vaginal bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods or after menopause. Vaginal discharge that is thick, odorous or tinged with blood. Menstrual periods that are heavier or last longer than usual. Vaginal bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse.
What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?
Early Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer
- Vaginal bleeding (either after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause)
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (heavy or with a foul odor)
- Pain during intercourse.
- Pelvic pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Pain and swelling in legs.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Decreased appetite.
Who is most likely to get cervical cancer?
What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?
- Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
- Smoking.
- Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years).
- Having given birth to three or more children.
- Having several sexual partners.
What triggers cervical cancer?
Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.
What is the survival rate of cervical cancer?
When detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for people with invasive cervical cancer is 92%. About 44% of people with cervical cancer are diagnosed at an early stage. If cervical cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 58%.
Is Stage 1 cervical cancer curable?
Stage I cervical cancer is curable for the majority of patients if surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are appropriately used.