What does a cervical smear test mainly?

I believe many people have heard of cervical smear. This is an effective way to screen women for cervical cancer. A cervical smear is a procedure in which a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix of the uterus, placed on a glass slide, and then studied under a microscope to see if there are any abnormalities. Even though many people have heard of this examination, few understand how it is done and what it examines. So what exactly does a cervical smear test for?

1. What does a cervical smear test?

1. Pathological examination of cervical biopsy tissue

Cervical disease examination items are issues that patients with cervical disease are very concerned about. If cervical disease is not treated in time, it can easily worsen. Therefore, timely detection and treatment are very important.

2. Pathological examination of cervical biopsy tissue

This examination is the basis for diagnosing cervical cancer. At present, medical experts' research shows that the main cause of cervical cancer is women being infected with human papillomavirus. Therefore, medical scientists are working on developing an economical, efficient and inexpensive human papillomavirus test to screen for early cervical cancer.

3. Colposcopy

It can quickly detect lesions that are invisible to the naked eye and take biopsies from suspicious areas during colposcopy, which can significantly improve the accuracy of biopsies.

4. Iodine test and visual observation

The method is very simple and cheap, and can detect at least 2/3 of the lesions. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of visual inspection in developing countries. As an initial screening method for cervical cancer, 3%-5% acetic acid solution is applied to the cervix. Observe the reaction of the cervical epithelium to acetic acid, and then take a biopsy from the white lesion area.

5. Cervical smear cytology examination

It is a routine gynecological examination, simple, easy, cost-effective, and the most important auxiliary examination and the preferred initial screening method for cancer prevention surveys.

6. Gynecological examination

Focus on checking the size, texture, shape, thickness of the cervical canal, and whether there is contact bleeding. Secondly, check the condition of the vulva, vagina, uterus, and paracervical tissues (ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lymph nodes, etc.).

2. Things to note when doing cervical smear test

1. You should not have sexual intercourse 24 hours before the cervical smear test. If you want to have sexual intercourse after the test, you should consult a doctor.

2. Do not douche or perform vaginal examination 1-2 days before cervical smear test.

3. It is best not to perform a cervical smear test during menstruation.