inflammation, or abnormal cells. During the exam, your doctor collects cells from the cervix and inspects them under a microscope. This exam, along with your annual pelvic exam, is a critical part of your routine healthcare because it helps detect abnormalities early that can lead to invasive cancer. As with many types of cancer, cancer of the cervix is more likely to be treated successfully if it is detected early.
A pap exam can detect not only cancerous cells, but other cervical and vaginal abnormalities including dysplasia (precancerous cells) and inflammation. Inflammation of the cervix may be caused by:
At About Women OB-GYN, we recommend a pap exam as part of your annual exam. Some insurers may pay for pap exams only every two or three years, but we believe a yearly screening is an important precaution for your health. If your insurance does not cover an annual pap exam, we can discuss your options based on your age, medical history, and risk factors. Please note that, even if you elect not to have an annual pap exam, it is still very important to have an annual pelvic exam and breast exam.
Cervical Cancer Screening (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
Even if you receive your routine gynecology care from your family doctor or other healthcare provider, we encourage you to contact About Women Ob-Gyn for specialized gynecology services, including:
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