Pap Smear and HPV as Screening Test
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the cells of the cervix of females. The cervix is the lower, narrow opening of the uterus (womb), situated at the top of the vagina (the birth canal), found in every woman or individual assigned female at birth. It is covered by a thin tissue layer made up of two cell types: squamous cells (skin-like cells) and glandular cells (cells that secrete mucus in the cervix). Based on these types, cervical cancer can be of many kinds but most common types are: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Pap Smear and HPV Screening Tests are performed for Cervical Cancer Prevention by Dr. Shilpa Bansal Agrawal. The expert gynecologist performs this test as a part of preventive health check-ups at Harleys Cosmetic & Women Clinic, or Surya Hospitals (Multispecialty Hospital for Women & Children), Cloudnine Hospital, BSES MG Hospital, Criticare Asia Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai. At Harleys Cosmetic & Women Clinic, we provide a comprehensive range of services to ensure the well-being of our patients. We offer Pap smear tests as part of our commitment to women’s health. The Pap smear test cost in Mumbai at our facility is Rs. 1200.
Pap Smear Test Cost in Mumbai is Rs.1200.
Cervical Cancer in Females
Usually, cervical cancer develops gradually. In the precancerous stage, the cervical cells show changes known as dysplasia, wherein abnormal cells start to appear in the cervical tissue. If these unusual cells are not removed or destroyed, over time, they can grow out of control and invade deeper into the cervical tissue. In advanced cases, the cervical cells could turn malignant, hence spreading to other organs of the body. It may take decades for the unusual cervical cancer cells to become cancerous. If abnormal cervical cells are detected in their precancerous stage, it becomes much easier to prevent cervical cancer than treat it once it develops i.e. by the time its symptoms appear.
Most cervical cancer patients suffer from cervix infection that is infected with a virus- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer only occurs in some women with high-risk types of HPV.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer symptoms include:
Signs of advanced cervical cancer may include early-stage cervical cancer symptoms as well as:
If experiencing these issues, one can consult Dr. Shilpa Bansal Agrawal, an expert gynecologist at Harleys Cosmetic & Women Clinic. The doctor can be consulted to diagnose the vaginal or cervical cancer health issue effectively. Please note that the cost of a Pap smear test in Mumbai is Rs. 1200 at our clinic. If you have any questions regarding the Pap smear test or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff.
What is Cervical Cancer Screening?
Cervical cancer screening in Mumbai refers to the HPV and/or PAP smear testing is done to check for cervical cancer before its symptoms turn out. It is a vital part of the routine healthcare of anyone having a cervix.
Ways to Screen For Cervical Cancer
An HPV test is done to detect high-risk HPV infections in women. It may need to be done to prevent cervical cancer in women belonging to the age group 30-65 years or if a woman at any age gets abnormal pap smear tests.
During an HPV test, women are asked to lie on their backside, with their knees bent and feet in supports called stirrups. The healthcare provider makes use of a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum to open the vagina and expose the cervix. Next, the provider uses a plastic spatula or a soft brush to collect the cervical cells in a sterile dish.
The HPV test results are provided as normal/negative or abnormal/positive. A negative HPV test means there is no high-risk HPV seen while a positive HPV test indicates the presence of high-risk HPV and a greater risk of getting cervical cancer in the future. In such a case, the doctor may order more tests such as colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and more frequent HPV and PAP smear tests to diagnose and/or monitor the condition.
It is recommended to go for cervical cancer screening using an HPV test alone after every 5 years for every person having a cervix and aged 25 years above until the age of 65 years.
HPV/PAP co-test
This cervical cancer screening test involves the use of both HPV and PAP smear tests together to look out for high-risk HPV and precancerous changes in cervical cancer. It is recommended by the healthcare provider to everyone with a cervix to go ahead with HPV/PAP co-test after every 5 years when HPV testing and PAP smear test are not available to be done alone.
The frequency at which one must undergo cervical cancer screening and by which approach depends upon the age of the individual and health history. Cervical cancer caused by high-risk HPV types, cannot be prevented by HPV vaccination. Therefore, all HPV-vaccinated people should follow the doctor-recommended cervical cancer screening. These are provided below as per different age groups:
Age 21-29 years:
Females who belong to this age group are recommended to take their first Pap test at the age of 21 and follow it after every 3 years. Those who are sexually active even before turning 21 years old do not require a Pap test before the age of 21.
Age 30-35 years:
Females falling under this age group are recommended to start with their cervical cancer screening at age of 25 using the HPV test and have HPV testing after every 5 years through age 65. However, they can still go for a Pap test after every 3 years and HPV/Pap co-test after every 5 years.
Above 65 years:
Old age females having cervix and aged above 65 must talk to their healthcare provider to learn if they still need to undergo cervical cancer screening. Only if one is regularly screened for cervical cancer and has always got normal test results then probably the doctor may not recommend further screening. However, screening may continue beyond 65 years, if their recent test results appear abnormal or they have not been regularly screened.
What is the Cost of a Pap Smear Test?
It is important to understand that the pap smear test cost is dependent upon variables such as the healthcare facility, the gynaecologist doing the test, extra recommended tests such as HPV testing or pelvic examination, and the facility’s geographical location. To get an exact estimate of the pap smear test cost in Mumbai, Dr. Shilpa Bansal Agrawal of Harleys Cosmetic & Women Clinic can be consulted.
Harleys Cosmetic and Womens Clinic
101-102, Jyoti Tower, DN Nagar,
Next to Nav Chaitanya, off Link Road,
Andheri West, Mumbai - 400053. Locate us
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