Smear
What is it used for ?
The smear is used to prevent cancer of the cervix. Examination of cells can detect cancer cells and their precursors with 85-95% certainty. The smear is of no use in screening for other gynecological cancers.
In the case of cervical cancer, the diagnosis can be made even before the woman has any symptoms. It is thus possible to start the treatment quickly and to follow the effect by means of smears. In addition, the sample taken often contains markers of gynecological infections.
A smear for whom?
Preventive smears are recommended for all women aged 25 to 64. A first smear may be advisable in a woman under 25 who started sex at a young age, and especially if she has symptoms such as bleeding after sex. This is because cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. If the results are normal, the smear may be repeated every 3 to 5 years.
How does the sample take place?
The smear is carried out by the general practitioner or the gynecologist, in his office or in a specialized center such as a family planning center for example. This introduces a speculum into the vagina to better see the cervix. Then the doctor rubs the cervix with a small spatula. In doing so, he detaches cells, places them in a small jar filled with preservative liquid and sends them to the laboratory for microscopic examination.
How is the result of the microscopic examination interpreted by the doctor?
An international classification system, known as the “Bethesda System”, describes the condition of cells. The following are taken into account: the quality of the sample, the characteristics of the woman (menopause, taking the pill, vaccination against HPV,…), In-depth analysis in the event of abnormal cells, the presence or absence of microbes and reaction changes in the mucosa.
Depending on the nature of the cell abnormality, the doctor offers follow-up or treatment. The proposed program must be followed scrupulously.
Biopsy of the lining of the uterus (endometrial biopsy)
What is it for ?
The endometrial biopsy is used to assess the condition of the uterine lining, eg to rule out malignancy.
A biopsy of the uterine lining for whom?
If you are suffering from unusual vaginal bleeding or unexplained, the doctor may consider the need for a biopsy of the uterine lining. This may be the case, for example, in postmenopausal women who have recurrent vaginal bleeding or in men who have been regulated who have persistent bleeding between periods, whether or not they are on hormonal contraception. When a postmenopausal woman takes a hormonal preparation for a long time, it is also necessary to know the effects of this drug on the uterine lining.
How does the sample take place?
The gynecologist passes a thin tube through the vagina and cervix to insert it into the uterus, where he removes and collects cells from the lining. Then, the doctor keeps the collected tissue in a sample liquid, which he sends to the laboratory for microscopic examination.
Want to know more?
- Screening for cervical cancer: simple and effective – mongeneraliste.be – SSMG – Société Scientifique de Médecine Générale
- Screening for cervical cancer (smear, colposcopy) – Fondation contre le cancer
- What is the Papillomavirus? (video) – LoveAttitude
- Human papillomavirus infections – Vaccination-Info.be
- For the vaccine, I hesitate … Is it serious doctor? – Health question
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