Services

Pap Test

Gynecology

Dr Christos T. Pappas

Dr Christos T. Pappas

MD, PhD, MSc, BSCCP

The Pap test is a screening method for detecting epithelial lesions of the vagina and mainly of the cervix of the uterus. This examination should be carried out annually, starting two years after the woman begins sexual activity.

It is a simple, painless and brief examination during which the doctor, with the help of a special spatula, takes vaginal and cervical smears which are sent for cytological study. There are two different ways of collecting and examining the material (liquid-based and conventional), which have similar diagnostic value. The result is known within a few days. Its correct interpretation depends on the cytologist who receives the test, in cooperation with the doctor who took the sample.

When to have the Pap test
The Pap test should first be done about two years after the start of a woman's sexual life. It is repeated once a year, unless the doctor considers it should be done more often, for reasons which they will explain in detail. The test should be done the week after the end of the period or the week before the period is due (in women with a regular cycle), and should be avoided during ovulation (mid-cycle). It is brief, painless (minimal discomfort) and a particularly important examination. 
Pap test results
There are two different ways in which the test is classified according to the cytologist's findings: the Papanicolaou classification and the Bethesda system (see the tables). The Bethesda system has been used more and more in recent years.
According to
Papanicolaou
Description
According to Bethesda 2001
Class I
Normal
Normal and variants
Class II
Inflammation
Reactive Changes
                           »
Atypia
ASC, ASG
                           »
Koilocytosis
Low Grade SIL
 Class III, probable (CIN I)
Low-grade
dysplasia
Low Grade SIL
 Class III, probable (CIN II)
Moderate-grade
Dysplasia
High Grade SIL
Class III, probable (CIN III)
High-grade
Dysplasia
High Grade SIL
Class IV
Ca in situ,
probable invasive cancer
High Grade SIL
Class V
Invasive cancer
Microinvasion (<3mm)
Frankly invasive (>3mm)

Contact us for more information on the subject and to book an appointment with the doctor.

Chat on Messenger