Pap Smear
Doctors perform Pap smears by scraping cells from the cervix, or lower part of the womb, during a pelvic examination. The cells are then sent to a laboratory where they are prepared for examination under a microscope. Pap smears are used to detect any abnormalities of the cervix. While not all abnormal cells lead to cancer or other precancerous conditions, anything that prompts suspicion should be evaluated. Early detection has reduced the incidence of cervical cancer, saving tens of thousands of women's lives. For this reason, health care providers continue to recommend annual Pap smear screenings for women beginning at age 18.
Hyperkeratosis Described
When dried skin cells appear on a Pap smear, the finding is referred to as hyperkeratosis. Described as a thick layer of cells that resembles a callous on the surface of the cervix or vagina, a doctor may order a repeat Pap smear in six months if hyperkeratosis is present. Although a woman whose Pap smear shows hyperkeratosis may not necessarily be at an increased of cancer, doctors often follow up on the findings. Sometimes an area of thickened cells can hide a lesion from view during a routine gynecological exam. Hyperkeratosis may also prevent a doctor from getting an adequate sample of cells for a cytology study.
Cancer Risk
If a repeat Pap smear taken six months later shows that hyperkeratosis is still present, your health care provider may make one of two choices. He can order another Pap smear again in three to six months or perform a colposcopic examination, a procedure used to determine the cause of an abnormal Pap smear. While many times changes in the cells of the cervix are due to chronic irritation, vaginal infection or the use of a diaphragm, it is usually wise to take a closer look. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recommends that a colopscopy be considered anytime a physician notices something abnormal about the cervix, particularly if other risk factors exist. Because there may be an association between hyperkeratosis and SIL (squamous intraepithelial lesion), a condition known to precede cervical cancer, a more comprehensive follow up may be indicated. Any abnormal changes in the cervical cells can eventually develop into cancer. The colposcopic procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes. A bright light on the end of a microscope known as the colposcope allows the gynecologist to examine the cervix and take a closer look at the epithelial cells of a woman's lower genital tract.
Tags: cervical cancer, closer look, health care, repeat smear, take closer, take closer look