Cervical Screening Abnormalities
Understandably, returning an abnormal pap smear or cervical screening result can raise many questions and concerns. The independent doctors at Greenslopes Obstetrics & Gynaecology will promptly see you and support you during this time.
In Australia, cervical screening is recommended every five years for women or people with a cervix aged between 25 and 74 who have ever had sexual contact. The screening test checks for the presence of HPV, which is a common virus that can lead to cervical cancer.
Regular screening helps to detect cancer in its early stages. Most early-stage cervical cancers have a good prognosis with high survival rates.
Your usual doctor or healthcare provider may conduct your cervical screening. If an abnormal result is found, they may refer you to a specialist gynaecologist, such as the independent doctors practising from GOG rooms.
Your GOG gynaecologist may recommend and perform a colposcopy procedure for you. This involves using a special microscope to look closely at the cervix and examine the outer portion. Sometimes, a small sample of tissue (a biopsy) is taken for further study. The tissue samples help the doctor determine if treatment is required. If pre-cancerous cells are found, they can typically be treated with great success.
Find out more about cervical cancer and the National Cervical Screening Program:
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