Cytological examination of a cervical smear

Importance of regular cytological examination

Women are recommended to undergo an annual cytological examination of the cervix and cervical canal as part of disease prevention. This allows for the early detection of precancerous conditions and malignant processes, significantly increasing the chances of effective treatment. Regular screening is particularly important for women with risk factors: chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs, menstrual cycle disorders, positive human papillomavirus (HPV) test, as well as a family history of genital cancers.

The main objective of the cytological analysis is to detect atypical cells, that is, modified elements indicating anomalies in the structure of the nucleus and cytoplasm. These modifications are often precursors to serious diseases, and their early detection allows for the prescription of effective treatment and the prevention of cancer development.

Procedure for sample collection and analysis methods

For the analysis, a sample is taken by gently scraping the surface of the cervix and cervical canal. The procedure is performed by a gynecologist using a specialized instrument (a cervical brush or spatula) and is generally painless, causing only minimal discomfort.

There are two main methods for performing a cytological examination:

• Traditional method: the obtained material is placed on a microscope slide, air-dried, and then stained specifically before being examined under a microscope. This method is widely used but can be prone to errors due to the lack of uniform distribution of cells.
• Liquid cytology: the material is placed in a special stabilizing liquid, where the cells are evenly distributed and freed from impurities. After treatment, the samples are stained according to the Papanicolaou, Romanovsky, or Gram methods. The liquid technology increases the accuracy of diagnosis and allows for simultaneous HPV screening.

The most well-known form of cytological screening is the PAP test (or Papanicolaou test), performed by staining according to the Papanicolaou method, which allows for classifying the degree of cell modification and assessing their potential danger.

How to prepare for a cytological examination

To obtain the most reliable results possible, it is necessary to prepare well for the sample collection:

• It is advisable to abstain from any sexual intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before the consultation.
• It is prohibited to use vaginal medications (ointments, creams, suppositories) and to perform vaginal douches at least two days before the procedure.
• On the day of the sample collection, it is preferable not to urinate for the 2 to 3 hours preceding the visit to the clinic.

The optimal time to perform the examination is in the middle of the menstrual cycle (from the 10th to the 20th day), when hormonal function is the most stable and the cervical mucosa is most conducive to evaluating cell morphology.

Cytological screening is particularly important for women who are planning a pregnancy, who are undergoing infertility treatment, or who have a history of cancer or other chronic reproductive system diseases.

How to interpret the results of a cytological examination

The results of the cytological smear are interpreted by the treating gynecologist. The diagnosis is based on the classification of cellular modifications, which range from normal to markedly atypical, requiring further examinations such as colposcopy, cervical biopsy, or in-depth PAP tests.

In the case of detecting precancerous modifications, an individualized treatment plan is developed to prevent the progression of the disease. The origin of cervical cancer is a precancerous lesion, which means a modification of the epithelial cells of the cervix located at its surface. Sometimes, precancerous lesions disappear naturally. Sometimes, they progress to a more serious lesion or even cancer. The epithelium refers to the layer of cells covering the surface of the cervix.

The majority of cervical cancers develop at the junction between the endocervix and exocervix, that is, between the upper part (body of the uterus) and the lower part (cervix).

The detection of malignant cells requires immediate prescription of further examinations and treatment in specialized oncological centers.

Where to undergo a cytological examination

You can have a cytological smear, benefit from a complete consultation, and receive qualified assistance regarding the results of the examination at the PMA clinic “Natuvitro”. The specialists at the clinic use modern diagnostic methods, pay special attention to each patient, and guarantee results that are as accurate as possible. Regularly taking care of your reproductive health is the key to a long and active life.