People age 30 to 65 should have a Pap smear and an HPV test every five years. Performing both tests at once is called “co-testing.” People who have HIV or those with weakened immune systems Getting a result of HPV positive with cell changes means you’ll need a colposcopy. This procedure is similar to getting a smear, although it’s usually done in a hospital and takes a bit longer. The doctor or nurse will use a speculum and a microscope with a light to look at your cervix. They’ll apply liquid to the cervix to highlight A cervical screening test (smear test) is a way of detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (neck of the womb). Abnormal cells are sometimes also known as pre-cancerous cells. If not detected, these abnormal cells could develop into cervical cancer, so removing them can prevent cancer. It is estimated that regular cervical screening can prevent Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of 200 known viruses. They do not cause concerns in most people, but infection with some high-risk types is common and can cause genital warts or cancer. In 90% of people the body controls the infection by itself. Persistent HPV infection with high-risk HPV types is the cause of cervical cancer Two tests are used for screenings: the Pap test (or smear) and the HPV test. The Pap test checks for cell changes on a woman’s cervix that could turn into cancer if they are not treated. The HPV test looks for human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus can cause cell changes that lead to cervical cancer. Anyone with a cervix can start getting tested for HPV when they are 21 as part of their Pap test, the screening tool for cervical cancer. They should then get tested every three years, from 21 to The virus that causes genital warts can cause abnormal results on a Pap test. If you have these types of changes, you may need more frequent Pap tests or a colposcopy. An HPV DNA test can tell if you have a high-risk type of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. This test may be done: If you have genital warts; As a screening test for women over The interval can be increased to every 5 years in women 30 years and older who receive a Pap test and co-testing for HPV. An alternative is to continue every 3 years with only a Pap test. [ 59 , 60 ] Pap test screening can be discontinued after age 65 years if the patient had no previous abnormal Pap test results in the previous 20 years. OQMxnE.

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