MEDSEEK Public Site Collection
  • ProMedica Patient Portal
  • For Health Professionals
  • Ways to Give
  • Careers
  • Health & Wellness
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    • Children's Health
    • Fitness
    • Mental Health
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Worksite Wellness
    • Classes and Events
  • Patient Resources
    • Find a Doctor
    • Before and After Your Visit
    • When Do I Need the ER?
    • Billing and Insurance
    • Digital Tools
    • Pharmacy Services
    • Patient Advocacy
    • Clinical Trials
    • Support Programs and Services
    • Medical Records
    • Contact List
  • Medical Services
    • Autism
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Diabetes
    • Endoscopy
    • Heart & Vascular
    • Home Health Care
    • Hospice
    • Laboratories and Pathology
    • Maternity
    • Neurology
    • Orthopaedics
    • Pediatric Care
    • Radiology
    • Rehabilitation Therapy
    • Respiratory / Pulmonary Care
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Surgical Services
    • Tobacco Cessation
    • Urology
    • Weight Loss Surgery
    • Women's Services
    • View All Medical Services »
  • Our Locations
    • ProMedica Bay Park Hospital
    • ProMedica Bixby Hospital
    • ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital
    • ProMedica Flower Hospital
    • ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
    • ProMedica Herrick Hospital
    • ProMedica Memorial Hospital
    • ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
    • Lima Memorial Health System
    • ProMedica St. Luke's Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital
    • ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital
  • Service to the Community
    • Foundations
    • Come to the Table
    • Hunger as a Health Issue
    • Ebeid Institute
    • Medicaid Expansion
    • Live Well Greater Toledo
    • Flower Market Garden Grocer
    • Government Relations
    • Innovations
  • About Us
    • Accountable Care Organization
    • Diversity
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Dissemination of Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Social Media Policies
    • Industry Relationships
    • Executive Bios
    • Board of Directors
    • Accreditations and Awards
    • Health Care Compliance
    • News Room
    • Media Resources
    • Featured Experts
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us Form
Home
Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
Home
Related Reading
Translate
  • Spanish
    • Enfermedades y afecciones
    • Cirugías y procedimientos
    • Medicamentos
    • Videoteca
  • Conditions & Treatments
    • Adult Health Library
      • Allergy and Asthma
      • Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
      • Bone Disorders
      • Breast Health
      • Cardiovascular Diseases
      • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
      • Dermatology
      • Diabetes
      • Digestive Disorders
      • Endocrinology
      • Environmental Medicine
      • Eye Care
      • Gynecological Health
      • Hematology and Blood Disorders
      • Home Health, Hospice, and Elder Care
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Kidney and Urinary System Disorders
      • Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
      • Men's Health
      • Mental Health Disorders
      • Nervous System Disorders
      • Non-Traumatic Emergencies
      • Oral Health
      • Orthopaedic Surgery
      • Otolaryngology
      • Pathology
      • Pediatrics
      • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
      • Plastic Surgery
      • Pregnancy and Childbirth
      • Prostate Health
      • Radiology
      • Respiratory Disorders
      • Skin Cancer
      • Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
      • Surgical Care
      • Travel Medicine
      • Women's Health
    • Pediatric Health Library
      • Adolescent Medicine
      • Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
      • Blood Disorders
      • Burns
      • Cardiology
      • Care of the Terminally Ill
      • Child and Adolescent Mental Health
      • Child Having Surgery
      • Craniofacial Anomalies
      • Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings
      • Dental and Oral Health
      • Dermatology
      • Diabetes Endocrinology
      • Digestive and Liver Disorders
      • Ear, Nose, and Throat
      • Eye Care
      • Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders
      • Growth and Development
      • High-Risk Newborn
      • High-Risk Pregnancy
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Medical Genetics
      • Neurological Disorders
      • Normal Newborn
      • Oncology
      • Orthopaedics
      • Pregnancy
      • Respiratory Disorders
      • Safety and Injury Prevention
      • Transplantation
    • Tests and Procedures
      • Cardiovascular
      • Gastroenterology
      • Gynecology
      • Lab Tests
      • Neurological
      • Orthopaedic
      • Pulmonary
      • Urology
    • Prevention Guidelines
      • Children Ages 0-2
      • Children Ages 2-18
      • Men Ages 18-39
      • Men Ages 40-49
      • Men Ages 50-64
      • Men Ages 65+
      • Women Ages 18-39
      • Women Ages 40-49
      • Women Ages 50-64
      • Women Ages 65+
  • Health Centers
    • Asthma
      • Understanding Asthma
      • Pulmonary Tests & Procedures
      • Controlling Asthma Triggers
      • Managing Your Asthma
      • Asthma and Other Conditions
      • For Your Family
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Cancer
      • About Cancer
      • Cancer and Genetics
      • Cancer Test and Procedures
      • Cancer Diagnosis
      • Cancer and Nutrition
      • Cancer Treatment
      • Cancer Treatment Side Effects
      • Living With Cancer
      • Specific Cancers
      • Children and Cancer
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
      • What is COPD?
      • Pulmonary Tests & Procedures
      • Managing Your COPD
      • Preventing COPD
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Diabetes
      • Understanding Diabetes
      • Types of Diabetes
      • Complications of Diabetes
      • Managing Diabetes
      • Diabetes and Your Family
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Heart Disease
      • Understanding Heart Disease
      • Cardiac Tests & Procedures
      • Heart Conditions and Diseases
      • Women and Heart Disease
      • Diabetes and Heart Disease
      • Congenital Heart Disease
      • Cardiac Rehabilitation
      • Managing Heart Disease
      • Preventing Heart Disease
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Neuroscience
      • About the Brain and Nervous System
      • Neurological Tests and Procedures
      • Neurological Conditions and Diseases
      • Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders
      • Headaches
      • Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases
      • Understanding Rehabilitation
      • Healthy Brain
      • Children & Neurological Conditions
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
      • Understanding Obesity
      • Obesity and Health Problems
      • Treating Obesity
      • Bariatric Surgery
      • Lifestyle Changes
      • Childhood and Obesity
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Orthopedics
      • Basic Anatomy
      • Orthopedic Tests and Procedures
      • Orthopedic Conditions and Disorders
      • Arthritis and Rheumatic Disorders
      • Osteoporosis
      • Fractures
      • Sports Injuries
      • Preventing Injuries at Work
      • Orthopedic Conditions and Children
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Pregnancy & Newborns
      • Preparing for Pregnancy
      • Your Changing Body
      • Your First Trimester
      • Your Second Trimester
      • Your Third Trimester
      • Pregnancy Tests and Procedures
      • Healthy Pregnancy Lifestyles
      • Pregnancy Complications
      • Labor, Birth, and Postpartum
      • Your Newborn Baby
      • When Baby Needs Special Care
      • Feeding Your Baby
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
  • Drugs, Herbs & Supplements
    • Drug Interaction Checker
    • Drug Search
    • Drug Search by Physical Description
    • Herbs, Vitamins & Supplements
      • Amino Acids
      • Herbs
      • Minerals
      • Vitamins
      • Other
      • All
  • Nutrition & General Wellness
    • Healthy Recipes
      • By Dietary Considerations
      • By Food Category
    • Nutrition Facts
    • Wellness Library
      • At Work
      • Behavior
      • Dental
      • Diseases & Conditions
      • Fitness
      • Injuries & Emergencies
      • Nutrition
      • Parenting
      • Prevention
      • Safety
      • Today's Medicine
      • Weight Control
      • Your Body
  • Your Family
    • Children's Health
      • The Healthy Child
      • Children and Healthcare
      • Emotions and Behavior
      • Age-Specific Concerns
      • Parenting
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Men's Health
      • In Good Health
      • Health Issues
      • Sexual Health & Reproduction
      • Sports Injuries
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Older Adults
      • Living Better, Living Longer
      • Eating Well, Staying Fit
      • Prevention, Self-Care, and Safety
      • Using Medications
      • Health Concerns: Head to Toe
      • Long-Term Planning
      • For the Caregiver
      • Home Health and Hospice Care
      • Medicare Part D
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Women's Health
      • A Woman's Journey
      • In Good Health
      • Women's Health Issues
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
  • News Center
    • Focus on Health
    • Health News
    • Newsletters
      • Cancer Awareness
      • Chronic Condition News
      • For Your Child
      • Heart Care
      • Men's Health
      • Women's Health
  • Healthy Living
    • Back and Neck Care
      • Back and Neck Basics
      • Causes of Back and Neck Pain
      • Keeping Your Back Healthy
      • Dealing With Back Pain
      • Preventing and Treating Neck Pain
      • Back Pain and Pregnancy
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Blood Pressure
      • Blood Pressure Basics
      • Eating Healthier
      • Getting Exercise
      • Losing Weight
      • Managing Stress
      • Quitting Smoking, Limiting Alcohol
      • Taking Medication
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Cholesterol
      • Understanding Cholesterol
      • Eating Healthy
      • Managing Weight
      • Getting Exercise
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Taking Medication
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Healthy Recipes
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Nutrition Facts
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Fitness
      • Why Fitness Matters
      • Get Started
      • Get Moving
      • Stay Motivated
      • Make Time for Fitness
      • Improve Your Health
      • Children & Teens
      • Women
      • Older Adults
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Mental Health
      • During Life's Journey
      • Common Conditions
      • Support and Stability
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Nutrition
      • Nutrition Basics
      • Healthy Practices
      • Nutrition and Health Conditions
      • Children and Teens
      • Pregnant Women
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Healthy Recipes
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Nutrition Facts
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Smoking Cessation
      • Facing Up to Smoking
      • Planning Your Quit Strategy
      • Taking the Big Step
      • Staying Smoke-Free
      • Teens and Smoking
      • Smoking During Pregnancy
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Stress Management
      • Understanding Stress
      • Keys to Managing Stress
      • Stress on the Job
      • Stress and Family
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Weight Management
      • Call to Action
      • About Weight Loss
      • Nutrition
      • Exercise
      • Behavior
      • Related Health Issues
      • Children and Teens
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Healthy Recipes
      • More Resources - Nutrition Facts
      • More Resources - Online Resources
  • Tools & Multimedia
    • Video Library
    • Calculators
    • Quizzes
    • Risk Assessments

Cervical Cancer: Screening

consultation
Ask your healthcare provider to explain your test results to you.

What is screening?

Screening means checking for a health problem before a person has symptoms. Screening can sometimes find certain cancers early, when they're small and before they have spread. Cancer that is found early is often easier to treat. The Pap test can find cancer early or in precancer stages. The HPV test can identify infection with 1 of the HPV types linked to cervical cancer.

What screening tests are used for cervical cancer?

  • Pap test. This test is also called a Pap smear. A Pap test screens for cervical cancer and precancer. Regular Pap tests can show changes in cells of the cervix before they become cancer. They can also find cervical cancer in its early stages, when it can be treated most easily. The chance of being cured is higher when healthcare providers find the cancer before it has spread.

  • HPV test. This test is used to find signs of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the cells of the cervix. The HPV test may be done along with the Pap test for cervical cancer screening in certain age groups.

  • Pelvic exam. This exam is often done along with Pap and HPV tests. This can also help find some cancers of the uterus and other parts of the female reproductive system.

How the tests are done

Your healthcare provider will usually do a Pap test, HPV test, and pelvic exam at the same time. To do the tests, he or she inserts a device called a speculum into your vagina. You may feel pressure as the speculum goes in, and slight discomfort if the speculum is cold. The speculum holds the vagina open while the healthcare provider uses a small spatula or brush to gently scrape cells from your cervix. The cells that are removed from the surface of the cervix are then sent to a lab to be tested. The test results may show that the cells are normal. Or the results may show infection, inflammation, abnormal cells, precancer cells, or cancer cells.

During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider inserts his or her fingers into your vagina while he or she presses on your belly (abdomen) with the other hand. This is done to feel for abnormal lumps (masses) or growths. You may feel a slight discomfort during the exam. The exam only takes a few minutes.

Who should have Pap tests?

Cervical cancer screening should begin at 21 years old. A woman should talk with her healthcare provider about when and how often to have cervical cancer screening and a pelvic exam.

All women should talk with their healthcare provider about:

  • When they should begin screening

  • How often they should be screened

  • When they can stop cervical screenings, especially if they are at higher risk of cervical cancer

General guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are below.

Women ages 21 to 29:

  • Screening with Pap tests every 3 years

  • No HPV testing, unless there is an abnormal Pap test

Women ages 30 to 65:

  • Screening every 5 years with an HPV test and a Pap test (called co-testing)

  • OR Screening with the Pap test only, every 3 years

  • Possible screening more often if you have risk factors such as a HIV infection, a weak immune system, DES exposure before birth, or past cervical cancer

Women ages 65 and older can stop screening if:

  • They have had 3 consecutive Pap tests or 2 co-tests in the last 10 years with normal results and are not at high risk for cervical cancer (Source: ACOG)

  • They have had regular screening with normal results for the last 10 years and have no history of precancer in the last 20 years (Source: ACS)

You may not need screening if you had surgery to remove the uterus and cervix (total hysterectomy), unless it was done to treat cervical precancer or cancer.

Women who have been vaccinated against HPV should follow the guidelines for their age group. 

What if a Pap test is abnormal?

Ask your healthcare provider to explain the results of the test to you. It’s important not to panic if your healthcare provider says that your Pap test results are abnormal. This simply means that there are cells in the cervix that do not appear to be normal healthy cells. Just how abnormal they are varies. These changes may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.

Your healthcare provider may use the terms atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC-US) or squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). Another term used to describe these changes is dysplasia. ASC-US on a Pap smear will usually be rechecked with another Pap test in a year. Another option is to test for HPV. SIL means abnormal cells were found in the cells taken from the surface of the cervix. They are typically classified as SIL 1 through 3. The higher numbers mean a larger number of more seriously abnormal cells. These changes may be due to a number of factors. The factors may include an infection, inflammation, precancer, or cancer. CIN3 is the most serious precancer.

If an abnormal growth is confirmed and is mild, your healthcare provider may simply watch you closely over time. HPV testing may also be done to see if the problem is caused by HPV infection. You should have repeat Pap and HPV tests to see if the changed cells return to normal.

If you have a large number of abnormal cells, the next step is a colposcopy. This is a procedure using a special magnifying scope to closely examine the cervix. Or you may have a biopsy. This removes more tissue to be checked for abnormal cells.

In most cases, precancer can be treated in the healthcare provider's office or in a hospital as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. It is rare that a major surgery such as a hysterectomy is needed for precancer of the cervix.

Getting tested with no health insurance

Some women who are at high risk for cancer of the cervix may be less able to afford the screening tests. Tests for breast cancer and cervical cancer are available to many women through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program offers breast and cervical cancer testing to women with no health insurance for free or at little cost. Each state runs its own program. Contact your state or your county Department of Health to find a program near you. There may also be other private or volunteer clinics available in your area that might provide this screening free or at a much reduced cost.

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Lu Cunningham
Online Medical Reviewer: Richard LoCicero MD
Date Last Reviewed: 12/1/2018
© 2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Patient Corner
Find a Doctor
Pay My Bill
Request an Appointment
Follow Us

Related Items

Diseases and Conditions

AIDS-Related Cancers
Cervical Cancer: Introduction

Pediatric Diseases and Conditions

Pap Test for Adolescents

Tests and Procedures

Cervical Biopsy
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
View All 4

Articles

Anal Cancer: Early Detection
Cervical Cancer: Chemotherapy
View All 14

News

5 Ways Men Can Take Charge of Their Health
Adding Blood Test for Pancreatic Cancer May Aid Early Detection
View All 66

Drug Reference

Bleomycin injection

Interactive Tools

Cervical Cancer Quiz
Cervical Cancer Risk Assessment

Videos

Colon Cancer Screening
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
About Us
 
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Vine
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Google+
  • CaringBridge

ProMedica is a locally owned, nonprofit healthcare organization serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Driven by our Mission to improve your health and well-being, we offer a full range of diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in areas such as emergency medicine and trauma, heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women's and children's services.

  • Join our e-mail list to get free health information delivered to your inbox.
  • © 2015 ProMedica
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
Quick Links
  • ProMedica Home
  • Pay My Bill
  • Financial Assistance
  • Careers
  • Classes and Events
  • News Room
  • Ways to Give
  • FAQs
  • Corporate Overview
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Support Programs
  • Executive Leadership
  • Board of Directors
  • Industry Relationships
Affiliations
  • Paramount Insurance
  • ProMedica Innovations
  • Pharmacy Counter
  • ProMedica HealthConnect
  • © ProMedica
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Health & Wellness
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    • Children's Health
    • Fitness
    • Mental Health
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Worksite Wellness
    • Classes and Events
  • Patient Resources
    • Find a Doctor
    • Before and After Your Visit
    • When Do I Need the ER?
    • Billing and Insurance
    • Digital Tools
    • Pharmacy Services
    • Patient Advocacy
    • Clinical Trials
    • Support Programs and Services
    • Medical Records
    • Contact List
  • Medical Services
    • Autism
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Diabetes
    • Endoscopy
    • Heart & Vascular
    • Home Health Care
    • Hospice
    • Laboratories and Pathology
    • Maternity
    • Neurology
    • Orthopaedics
    • Pediatric Care
    • Radiology
    • Rehabilitation Therapy
    • Respiratory / Pulmonary Care
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Surgical Services
    • Tobacco Cessation
    • Urology
    • Weight Loss Surgery
    • Women's Services
    • View All Medical Services »
  • Our Locations
    • ProMedica Bay Park Hospital
    • ProMedica Bixby Hospital
    • ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital
    • ProMedica Flower Hospital
    • ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
    • ProMedica Herrick Hospital
    • ProMedica Memorial Hospital
    • ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
    • Lima Memorial Health System
    • ProMedica St. Luke's Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital
    • ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital
  • Service to the Community
    • Foundations
    • Come to the Table
    • Hunger as a Health Issue
    • Ebeid Institute
    • Medicaid Expansion
    • Live Well Greater Toledo
    • Flower Market Garden Grocer
    • Government Relations
    • Innovations
  • About Us
    • Diversity
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Dissemination of Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Social Media Policies
    • Industry Relationships
    • Executive Bios
    • Board of Directors
    • Accreditations and Awards
    • Health Care Compliance
    • News Room
    • Media Resources
    • Featured Experts
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us Form
  • ProMedica Patient Portal
  • For Health Professionals
  • Ways to Give
  • Careers
  • Join our e-mail list to get free health information delivered to your inbox.
  • ProMedica Home
  • Pay My Bill
  • Financial Assistance
  • Careers
  • Classes and Events
  • News Room
  • Ways to Give
  • FAQs
  • Corporate Overview
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Support Programs
  • Executive Leadership
  • Board of Directors
  • Industry Relationships
  • Paramount Insurance
  • ProMedica Innovations
  • Pharmacy Counter
  • ProMedica HealthConnect