Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap smear and Thin Prep

 

Article by Clitoria Clinic Medical Team

 

 

Introduction

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women,

but it is highly preventable and treatable when detected early.

Screening methods such as Pap smear and Thin Prep

help identify abnormal cervical cells before they progress into cancer.

 

 

 

What are Pap Smear / Thin Prep

• Pap smear: Collects cells from the cervix to detect abnormal changes.
• Thin Prep: A liquid-based cytology technique that improves sample clarity and accuracy.

 

 

Cause of Cervical Cancer

The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with high-risk HPV strains,

More than 90% of HPV infection is from sexual intercourse,

particularly HPV 16 and 18. Regular screening can detect these changes early.

 

 

 

Can You Get HPV Without Having Sexual Intercourse?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is most often spread through penetrative sex and skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. However, even if you have never had sexual intercourse, transmission can still occur via:

• Direct contact with an infected persons genital area
• Sharing contaminated sex toys or personal items
• Contact with infected bodily fluids

The risk is lower than for sexually active individuals, but it is not zero. Getting the HPV vaccine before sexual debut remains the best prevention.

 

 

Warning Signs

• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge with odor or color changes
• Chronic pelvic pain

 

 

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

A healthcare provider collects cervical cells for lab analysis.

If abnormalities are detected, further tests such as colposcopy or biopsy may be required.

 

 

Treatment

• Precancerous stage: Cryotherapy, electrocautery, or laser treatment
• Cancer stage: Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation depending on stage

 

 

Prevention

• HPV vaccination
• Routine Pap smear or Thin Prep every 13 years
• Condom use to reduce HPV transmission
  

 

 

Doctors Advice

Regular cervical cancer screening significantly reduces risk. Women should begin screening at age 21 and continue as recommended by their doctor.

 

 

Conclusion

Pap smear and Thin Prep are vital tools for preventing and detecting cervical cancer at an early stage. Regular screening ensures long-term health and safety.

 

 

 

Cervical Cancer Screening Services at Clitoria Clinic

HPV testing (14 high-risk genotypes) 1,290 THB

HPV testing + Cervical cell examination (ThinPrep) + Doctor consultation 2,590 THB

 

 

 

Consult Clitoria Clinic, Phetkasem 81, Bangkok

Tel: 66-81-116-3788

Line OA: @dr.clitoria

 

Cervical cancer, Pap smear, Thin Prep, HPV, womens health, screening, Clitoria Clinic