Patient, Cervix, Introduction

Pap Smear^(G) Test – What Do The Results Really Mean?

Cancer of the cervix^(G) is one of the most preventable and curable of all gynaecological cancers. Research shows that up to 90% of the most common form of cancer of the cervix could be prevented if all eligible women had regular Pap smears every 2 years. The Pap smear is named after Dr George Papanicolaou and is the simple screening test used to detect abnormal cells present in the cervix (neck of the womb) that might become cancer if left untreated.

Gynaecological Surgery - Hysterectomy^(G) & Salpingo- Oophorectomy

Hysterectomy is a surgical operation for the removal of the uterus^(G) (womb) and sometimes other organs through a cut in the abdomen^(G) or vagina^(G). There are two main types of hysterectomy: total and sub-total. A total hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus and cervix^(G), while a sub-total hysterectomy removes only the uterus, leaving the cervix behind.

Cancer of the Cervix^(G)

The cervix is the lower-most part of the uterus^(G) (womb) and connects the uterus to the vagina^(G). The function of the cervix is to act as a barrier between the cavity of the uterus and the vagina. Cervical cancer is probably the most preventable of all cancers. It affects women of all ages, but is most prominent in the 30-39 year age group, closely followed by the 40-49 year group.