Why should I have a smear test and what can I expect?

Why should I have a smear test and what can I expect?

Charles Triay (General Practicioner) gives expert video advice on: My breasts are of unequal size. Is that normal?; I have found a lump on my breast. What should I do?; Why should I have a smear test and what can I expect? and more...

The reason why patients have smear tests is because we can detect cells around the cervix which are potentially malignant, but are not yet. We can find the type of cell that, if left alone, will eventually change to become malignant. The reason for having cervical smear tests is to prevent cervical cancer. We look for these cells and, if they are present, we will treat the patient and by so doing, we prevent cervical cancer. What to expect for a cervical smear test is that the patient, the woman, will have a vaginal examination. She will usually obviously lie flat and the doctor will have to insert a vaginal speculum. He will have to look inside the vagina under a good light and he will take a sample from the cervix, which lies at the top of the vagina. The sample will usually be taken either with a brush or with a little spatula. A smear test is not painful. They will just feel a knot sensation of being touched. That sample will then be analysed on a slide.