Determination of the presence and type of HPV, and planning the course of action to be followed in case of positive results.
HPV and Colposcopy About 20 minutes
Smear (Pap Smear) Test
A screening test performed with a cell sample taken from the cervix that detects precancerous changes at an early stage.
About Smear (Pap Smear) Test
The smear test is a screening method performed by examining cells taken from the surface of the cervix. The goal is not to detect cancer, but to identify precursor cellular changes that have the potential to develop into cancer before any symptoms appear. The procedure takes a few minutes, is usually painless, and is done on an outpatient basis. The screening interval varies depending on age and whether an HPV test is performed alongside; this schedule is determined individually during the examination. An abnormal result does not mean a cancer diagnosis; it only indicates that further investigation is necessary.
Smear Test and Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical (cervix) cancer is mostly seen between the ages of thirty and fifty; it also occurs at a significant rate in women over sixty. The World Health Organization considers this disease among preventable and eradicable cancers. The reason is clear: it is a disease whose cause is largely known and can be detected early through regular screening. The smear test is the fundamental step of this screening.
What Is Its Relationship with HPV?
Cervical cancer arises from genetic changes that accumulate over time in the healthy cells of the cervix. The most important cause is the human papillomavirus (HPV); especially HPV types 16 and 18 carry risk. Smoking, conditions that weaken the immune system such as HIV and AIDS, early onset of sexual activity, early childbirth, and genetic predisposition are other factors that can increase risk.
Why Is Screening So Important?
The path to cervical cancer does not progress in a single step. First, precursor changes called CIN 1, CIN 2, and CIN 3 appear in the cells; in people who receive no treatment, progression to advanced stages occurs over years. Some of these changes may regress spontaneously, and the likelihood of regression decreases as the lesion grade increases. The cervix can be directly visualized during examination and screened with smear and HPV tests; this allows detection of the disease before it reaches the cancer stage. Precancerous lesions detected by biopsy can be treated by procedures such as LEEP or conization, which remove a portion of the cervix. In early stages, removal of the uterus is not necessary; pregnancy and childbirth are possible after these procedures.
How Is the Smear Test Performed?
Cells taken from the surface of the cervix are examined in the laboratory. The goal is not to diagnose cancer but to detect cellular changes before symptoms appear. The procedure is outpatient, takes a few minutes, and usually does not cause pain. An abnormal result alone does not mean cancer; it indicates the need for further examinations such as colposcopy. The screening interval varies according to age and whether the HPV test is performed alongside; the appropriate schedule will be determined during your examination.
Stages of Cervical Cancer
When diagnosed, the extent of the disease is defined by stages:
- Stage 0: abnormal cells are only in the innermost layer of the cervix; also called carcinoma in situ.
- Stage I: cancer cells are limited to the cervix.
- Stage II: the disease may have spread beyond the cervix to the upper part of the vagina and surrounding tissues of the uterus.
- Stage III: cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or pelvic wall, possibly affecting the ureters and causing kidney swelling.
- Stage IV: the disease has reached the bladder, rectum, or distant parts of the body.
Different cancers develop from different parts of the uterus: cervical cancer from the cervix, sarcoma from the uterine muscle tissue, endometrial cancer from the uterine lining. The behavior, recurrence rate, and treatment of these diseases differ. Although cervical cancer is among the preventable group, it is a disease that must be taken seriously; therefore, regular screening should not be postponed.
The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a medical examination. Please consult a doctor for your complaints.
How It Works
The Process
The steps below describe how things generally work at the clinic. Which tests are needed and how the plan is set varies from person to person.
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Step 1
Initial consultation and assessment
We review your complaints, medical history and any previous tests together. The examination is planned after this conversation.
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Step 2
Necessary tests
If an ultrasound, lab work or other examination is needed, we clearly explain which one and why.
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Step 3
Personalized plan
Findings are interpreted together; options, expected duration and any alternatives are shared with you. The decision is made jointly.
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Step 4
Follow-up
A check-up is scheduled to see how things are progressing. If you have questions in between, you can reach the clinic.
HPV and Colposcopy
Related services
Other services in the same area may also interest you.
Vaccination counseling and administration for the appropriate age group to prevent HPV-related diseases.
Magnified examination of the cervix following an abnormal smear or HPV result, and sampling if necessary.
The conical excision of precursor lesions on the cervix to provide both treatment and detailed examination.
Evaluation of genital warts associated with HPV and selection of an appropriate treatment method based on their location.
Evaluation of cervical ectropion, commonly known as a sore, and treatment with cauterization or freezing methods if there are symptoms.
Your Doctor
Op. Dr. Abdulkadir Güllüce
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist
Op. Dr. Abdulkadir Güllüce has been practicing medicine since 2013 and has specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2022. He bases his practice on current scientific guidelines in areas ranging from pregnancy follow-up to gynecological surgery, tailoring the treatment plan according to each patient's individual history. He sees his patients at his clinic in Yakuplu, Beylikdüzü, and makes a point of explaining every step of the process in clear, understandable language.
Book Smear (Pap Smear) Test
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The information on this page is for general purposes; it does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment and does not promise any outcome. Whether it applies to you is assessed together with your history and examination findings. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever or fainting, go to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.