Pap Smear dan WANITA!!!!

2 minggu yang lepas.... sadi telah pergi ke klinik WANITA a.k.a maternity clinic untuk menjalani PAP SMEAR... kalau nak diikutkan hati ni... memang tak nak buat... tapi untuk masa depan... baik buat je laa ujian ni... so... APA ITU PAP SMEAR????

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PAP SMEAR

The Papanicolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test, cervical smear, or smear test) is a screening test used in gynecology to detect premalignant and malignant (cancerous) processes in the ectocervix. Significant changes can be treated, thus preventing cervical cancer. The test was invented by and named after the prominent Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou, but was also independently invented by Romanian scientist Aurel Babeş. An anal Pap smear is an adaptation of the procedure to screen and detect anal cancers.

In taking a Pap smear, a tool is used to gather cells from the outer opening of the cervix (Latin for "neck") of the uterus and the endocervix. The cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities. The test aims to detect potentially pre-cancerous changes (called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical dysplasia), which are usually caused by sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs). The test remains an effective, widely used method for early detection of pre-cancer and cervical cancer. The test may also detect infections and abnormalities in the endocervix and endometrium.

It is generally recommended that females who have had sex seek regular Pap smear testing. Guidelines on frequency vary, from annually to every five years. If results are abnormal, and depending on the nature of the abnormality, the test may need to be repeated in three to twelve months. If the abnormality requires closer scrutiny, the patient may be referred for detailed inspection of the cervix by colposcopy. The patient may also be referred for HPV DNA testing, which can serve as an adjunct to Pap testing.

RESULT
In the United States, most Pap results are normal, however about 2-3 million abnormal Pap smear results are found each year. Most abnormal results are mildly abnormal (ASC-US (typically 2-5% of Pap results) or LSIL (about 2% of results)), indicating HPV infection.[citation needed] Although most low grade cervical dysplasias spontaneously regress without ever leading to cervical cancer, dysplasia can serve as an indication that increased vigilance is needed. Endocervical and endometrial abnormalities can also be detected, as can a number of infectious processes, including yeast and Trichomonas vaginalis. A small proportion of abnormalities are reported as of "uncertain significance".

Typically about 0.5% of Pap results are HSIL, and less than 0.5% of results indicate cancer; typically 0.2 to 0.8% of results indicate AGCUS.[citation needed]

Abnormal results are reported according to the Bethesda system. They include:

- Atypical glandular cells (AGC)
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US)
- Atypical squamous cells - cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H)
- Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL or LSIL)
- High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL or HSIL)
- Squamous cell carcinoma

EFFECTIVENESS

Prior to the introduction of the Pap test, carcinoma of the cervix was a leading cause of death in women.[citation needed] Since the introduction of the Pap test, deaths caused by carcinoma of the cervix have been reduced by up to 99% in some populations where women are screened regularly.

Failure of prevention of cancer by the Pap test can occur for many reasons, including not getting regular screening, lack of appropriate follow up of abnormal results, and sampling and interpretation errors. Adenocarcinoma of the cervix has not been shown to be prevented by Pap tests. In the UK, which has a Pap smear screening program, Adenocarcinoma accounts for about 15% of all cervical cancers.

Estimates of the effectiveness of the United Kingdom's call and recall system vary widely, but it may prevent about 700 deaths per year in the UK. A medical practitioner performing 200 tests each year would prevent a death once in 38 years, while seeing 152 women with abnormal results, referring 79 for investigation, obtaining 53 abnormal biopsy results, and seeing 17 persisting abnormalities lasting longer than two years. At least one woman during the 38 years would die from cervical cancer despite being screened. HPV vaccine may offer better prospects in the long term.

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Moral of the story: Sebenarnya semalam, orang dari klinik tu telefon sadi... bagi tau keputusan pap smear sadi tu ada yang POSITIF... so... dalam pukul 10.00 pagi ni nak pergi klinik untuk check up semula... PREVENTION IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!! biar laa dapat keputusan yang awal dari lambat... kalau dah melarat... lagi susah nak SEMBUH.... :D

p/s: wahai kawan-kawan WANITAku... marilah menjalankan PAP SMEAR TEST!!!!!!!