Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer in the cervix called the cervix. HPV, which is opened as Human Papilloma Virus, causes cancer formation in the cervix. HPV causes warts in the genital area, regardless of whether it is in men or women. It also causes cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer is not always encountered in people with genital warts, but cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, which also causes genital warts. Cervical cancer screening is important and those who carry the HPV virus should definitely have PAP-SMEAR screening.
From Who, When and How Should Cervical Smear Be Taken?
In the cervical cancer screening process, while the smear is taken; the patient should abstain from sexual intercourse for at least two days (not have sexual intercourse), the vagina should not be washed, vaginal treatment should not be applied and all gynecological interventions (except endocervical culture) including examination should not be performed.
Cervical Cancer Screening Start
The beginning of smear screening should be after the age of 21. The purpose of not doing it before; It is the spontaneous regression of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections, so that unnecessary examination and treatment will be prevented in people who will regress spontaneously.
Scan Intervals
It is sufficient for cervical smear screening intervals to be every 3 years between the ages of 21-29. Taking it more often does not increase the chance of protection against cervical cancer. Between the ages of 30-65, if Pap smear is done alone, once in 3 years, if it is done together with HPV test, it is enough to be screened every 5 years. Pap smear screening along with HPV testing is more sensitive in protecting against cancer.
Those who have been exposed to DES in the womb, those who are HIV positive, and those who receive immunosuppressive therapy (including chemotherapy and chronic corticosteroid therapy) should be screened at regular intervals until screening cut-off criteria are met.
Interrupting the Scan
All authorities have reached a consensus on the termination of cervical cancer screening at the age of 65. Smear screening is unnecessary in older ages.
Cervical cancer should be continued annually until exposure to DES in the womb or those receiving immunosuppressive therapy (including HIV-positive individuals) are in good health.
Vaginal cytology has no place in the follow-up of people whose uterus has been removed for other gynecological reasons (the presence of CIN II and III is not considered benign). For people who have had hysterectomy surgery in which the cervix is not removed, the guideline that will be applied to an individual who has not been operated on is valid. In people who have had their womb removed due to CIN II and III; Screening should be discontinued in the absence of three normal cytology seen by the physician and abnormal/positive cytology in the last 10 years.
Cervical Cancer Screening in Pregnant Women
Screening in pregnant women should be done in the first three months. It is certain that taking smears in the first three months does not lead to miscarriage or infant death. However, spot-like bleeding may occur.
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