Cervical swab

A cervical smear is an effective way to detect oncological pathologies in one of the most vulnerable areas - the cervix, and at the earliest stages. Unlike the wall of the main organ - the uterus, the cervix consists of tissue containing a huge amount of collagen fibers, and there are very few elastic fibers in the cervix. Due to low elasticity, the cervix is more often exposed to various erosive lesions, and therefore the risk of forming a protective layer. In turn, it is this pseudo-protection that can become the basis for squamous cell oncology.

The study (analysis) of discharge from the cervical canal in gynecological practice is performed to identify malignant tumor cells, detect protozoa (Trichomonas) and flora (gonococci, etc.), in obstetric practice - to diagnose early rupture of the fetal bladder. Detection of malignant tumor cells is a reliable indicator of the nature of the process. Detection of fat droplets, vellus hair, "scales" indicates (in 99-100% of cases) early discharge of amniotic fluid.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Indications for the procedure cervical smear

Ideally, every woman should undergo such an analysis annually, starting from the moment of entering into sexual relations. Regular examination should be done either on the recommendation of the supervising gynecologist or on your own initiative.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Preparation

Almost all gynecological examinations, including such as a smear from the cervical canal, require some preparation from the woman. The rules of preparation are not at all complicated. In order not to disturb the physiological state, all intimate contacts are excluded the day before the procedure, and tampons, special suppositories and douching should not be used. If a woman is undergoing a course of treatment that includes internal local therapy, then a smear from the cervical canal is prescribed only three to four weeks after the end of treatment. Compliance with these conditions will guarantee the effectiveness of the study.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Technique cervical smear

A cervical smear is needed after the initial examination. If the doctor visually determines erosive lesions of the cervical tissue, a cervical smear will be prescribed without fail. The smear is taken from the erosive zone, and then from the cervical zone for the purpose of prevention and risk neutralization. The smear is taken with a special gynecological spatula. The material for the study is taken quite deeply so that as much epithelial tissue as possible is analyzed. In young ladies, a cervical smear is taken using a more gentle method, since the tissues are more elastic and vulnerable.

Normal performance

There are five stages of performance - from normal to serious pathology:

• If there are no violations or deviations, then they speak of normal cytology;
• There are changes caused by inflammation. This is very close to the norm, but requires not only treatment, but also a repeated analysis - a smear;
• There is a small number of altered cells. In this case, additional biopsy diagnostics (tissue biopsy) will be prescribed;
• There are some cells that have malignant abnormalities. Comprehensive studies will be prescribed;
• There are a large number of altered cells. The diagnosis, unfortunately, is disappointing - an oncological process.

Like other specific tests, only a doctor can “read” and correctly interpret such studies. Independent study of the form will not lead to anything, except that an anxious state will arise, and not substantiated by real facts. Age, health, pregnancy period, concomitant diseases - all this is comprehensively taken into account in decoding the smear.

A cervical smear is a truly effective method of preventing and early detection of oncological diseases. However, a smear cannot show the condition of other, also vulnerable areas of the female body with the same accuracy. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of pathology, an examination with a colposcope is prescribed. A cervical smear is effective as a research method only in women under 65 years of age.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ]

Raising and lowering of values

Any slightest changes, deviations from the norm at the cellular level will be detected in this analysis. The most important task that a smear from the cervical canal solves is the prevention and early detection of oncopathology. The fact is that the oncoprocess in this area (in the cervix) often develops hidden without obvious clinical manifestations. The woman does not experience any painful sensations, so she does not go to the doctor. Even during a gynecological examination, it is quite problematic to visually determine the early stage of the oncological process in the cervix. It is the smear from the cervical canal, its competent decoding can become real guards on the path of such a life-threatening disease. In addition, a smear from the cervical canal is a reliable way to detect many infections transmitted exclusively sexually - urogenital.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ], [ 18 ], [ 19 ]