WHAT IS THE PAP EXAM FOR?

 

It is a simple gynecological exam, with an annual routine, whose main objective is to prevent cervical cancer. It must be performed by all women with an active sex life, 1 year after the first intercourse. It can be collected in the doctor's office or in laboratories.

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Important: It is not an examination for vaginal discharge, so when there is a complaint of abnormal secretion and vaginal symptoms, an appropriate gynecological examination should be performed, which together with the history of symptoms will guide the treatment of the physician's choice. You should always treat a discharge before harvesting the Pap smear.

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WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAP AND THE HPV?

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In most cases of cervical cancer, there is a direct association with the HPV virus, which is usually contracted during sexual intercourse, even through intimate contact only.

Signs of contact with HPV can appear in routine examinations or screening for diseases, but fortunately the most common thing is that nothing happens, genital warts appear or even symptoms of inflammation or itching. Therefore, the goal of Pap smear is to make the diagnosis of cancer early, that is, as soon as possible, to achieve up to 100% cure.

To help fulfill the role of prevention and cure of Cervical Cancer, Dr. Rocco also recommends vaccination against the HPV virus.

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VACCINATION AGAINST HPV

Two vaccines are already offered in private clinics in most parts of Latin America, the USA and Europe.

 

In Brazil, since 2014, the tetravalent vaccine (against four types of virus) is also offered on the public network for girls between 9 and 14 years old and, since 2017, for boys between 12 and 13 years old.

The natural history of cervical cancer usually has a long period of precursor lesions, asymptomatic, curable in almost all cases when treated properly. They are known as NIC II / III, or high-grade injuries, and AIS. NIC I, on the other hand, represents the cytomorphological expression of a transient infection produced by HPV and has a high probability of regressing, in such a way that it is not currently considered as an injury.

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Ask all your questions in a clinical evaluation and orientation consultation.

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