Cervical screening

Data gathering

  • Red flags – IMB/PCB, weight loss
  • Others – PV discharge, dyspareunia, urinary symptoms

 

Clinical management

  • Explanation
    • Cells from the neck of the womb taken and looked at under a microscope, if any abnormal cells seen, a colposcope machine can have a more detailed view and remove the cells if needed.
    • HPV is also looked for as it is a risk factor
  • Treatment
    • Smoking cessation
    • STI screening
  • Safety net – followup if worsening symptoms

 

NB:

  • Moderate or more dyskaryosis – refer to colposcopy
  • Two mild dyskaryosis – refer to colposcopy
  • dyskaryosis is not cancer and often these abnormal cells revert to normal appearance
  • 25-49 years – 3 yearly
  • 50-64 years – 5 yearly
  • over 65 – only women who haven’t been screened since age 50 or those who have recently had abnormal tests