The Pap Test, HPV, and Cervical Cancer
What is the Pap test (Pap smear)? What is the human papillomavirus (HPV), and how is it contracted? And how is it connected to cervical cancer? Dr. Jacob Segal, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at Maccabi, emphasizes the importance of Pap tests and HPV vaccination
Cervical cancer was once among the deadliest cancers for women, even in developed countries. However, its incidence has significantly decreased today due to early detection tests such as the Pap smear and preventative measures like the HPV vaccine.
To thoroughly understand the disease's impact on the body, it is essential to first examine how the cervix is structured. The cervix is part of the uterus that extends into the vagina. Its primary functions include supporting a normal pregnancy and preventing miscarriages and premature births. Via the vagina, the cervix is exposed to various infections, primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Among the most dangerous infections is HPV, which, if contracted, can lead to cervical cancer.
What is the Pap test?
A Pap test is a simple and quick procedure where a swab is taken from the cervix and sent to the laboratory. The laboratory examines the sample to detect any abnormal cells that may have undergone pre-cancerous changes. If an abnormal result is detected (cells with high malignant potential), they can be promptly treated before developing into cancer.
As of today, Maccabi Healthcare Services is the first in Israel to offer a comprehensive screening test for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), known for their potential to cause cancer. HPV causes precancerous cells in the cervix which can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, this test helps identify women at higher risk of contracting the disease.
Women identified as carriers of strains with high malignant potential will undergo a cytological test, similar to a regular Pap test. This test enables more precise identification and early treatment, preventing disease progression.
The HPV carrier test to detect HPV can be self-administered at most Maccabi laboratories (self-sampling).
How is HPV contracted, and what are the symptoms?
Cervical cancer is caused by an HPV infection. The infection can be contracted at any age through sexual contact. It is important to note that both women and men are at risk of contracting the virus. The infection manifests in the appearance of wart-like lesions on the genitalia, around the anus, and/or on the scrotum. Therefore, the vaccine is now administered to men as well, and HPV lesions can be diagnosed by a dermatologist or urologist.
What happens after infection by the virus?
Lesions typically appear between 8 days and 8 months after infection. The patient may be unaware of the infection until a weakened immune system reveals symptoms. The disease can surface in various situations that burden the body : during pregnancy, among smokers, due to treatments that weaken the immune system, in transplant recipients who receive immune-suppressing medications, and other such circumstances.
Fortunately, around 90 percent of infections resolve spontaneously by age 30, with only a small percentage persisting. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients until the disease resolves after infection. There is an organized protocol for treating infected individuals or carriers.
From what age is a Pap test recommended?
The test is recommended for women aged 25 to 65.
For information regarding eligibility for the test >>What is the HPV vaccine, and at what age is it administered?
Maccabi Healthcare Services recommends the HPV vaccine in accordance with the Ministry of Health's guidance. The vaccine is safe and offers protection against the virus. It is administered via arm injection. The vaccine is effective against strains with high malignant potential and is available to children from grade 8 and up. Currently, researchers are developing another vaccine to target additional subtypes of the virus.
Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) - For full eligibility terms for Maccabi members >>
