Pap Smear Specialist
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Karen F. Brodman, MD, PLLC
Gynecologist located in Upper West Side, New York, NY
An estimated 14,100 new causes of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed yearly. To lower your risk of late detection and more cancer complications, routine Pap smears are available at the office of Karen F. Brodman, MD. Board-certified gynecologist Karen Brodman, MD, can determine the best timeline for your Pap smears based on your medical history and your risk factors for cervical cancer. Call the office in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, today or book an appointment online to schedule a Pap smear.
Pap Smear Q & A
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear is a diagnostic test that screens for cervical cancer. This type of cancer begins as abnormal cells at the entrance to your cervix and can spread to other areas of your body.
You can begin treating cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is typically most effective with early detection. Early treatment options for cervical cancer may also be less invasive than cancer treatments that have spread to other areas.
What happens during a Pap smear?
Pap smears are usually part of the well-woman exams Dr. Brodman provides. The test is minimally invasive and requires a swab of your cervix to collect a sample of cells.
Dr. Brodman sends the cell sample to a medical lab for evaluation under a microscope. Your Pap smear results will come back in a few days and either be normal or abnormal.
Normal results mean there are only healthy cells present in your cervix. If your Pap smear test results are abnormal, it could mean that you have either precancerous or cancerous cells in your cervix.
To confirm what your Pap smear test results mean, Dr. Brodman may request another Pap smear and perform a colposcopy. During this procedure, she uses a unique magnifying instrument to closely examine the tissues in your vagina, vulva, and cervix.
If it appears you have precancerous or cancerous cells, Dr. Brodman can remove a sample of tissue (biopsy) for additional evaluation.
How often do I need a Pap smear?
If you’ve not yet had your first Pap smear, Dr. Brodman can determine when you should start. Typically, women 21 and over should get a Pap smear every three years if they’re otherwise healthy.
You may need more frequent Pap smears if you have certain risk factors like:
- History of cervical cancer
- History of chemotherapy
- Weakened immune system
- History of smoking
As you get older, Dr. Brodman can determine when you no longer need routine Pap smears. Women who undergo a total hysterectomy and those over 65 may no longer need Pap smears, but it depends on your medical history and other factors.
To schedule a Pap smear, call the office of Karen F. Brodman, MD, today or book a consultation online.
