About Pap Smear
Key Highlights
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Primary screening tool for early detection of cervical cancer and precancerous changes.Performed by a cancer specialist (oncologist) for targeted assessment in high-risk cases.Quick, outpatient procedure typically completed in a few minutes.Significantly reduces mortality from cervical cancer through early intervention.Can be part of a comprehensive cancer risk evaluation and management plan.
Who is this surgery for?
- Routine screening for cervical cancer as per age-based guidelines (typically starting at age 21).
- Follow-up of a previously abnormal Pap smear result.
- Presence of symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- History of exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Patients with a weakened immune system or a family history of cervical cancer.
- As part of a consultation with an oncologist for overall cancer risk assessment.
How to prepare
- Avoid scheduling the test during your menstrual period, if possible.
- Refrain from vaginal intercourse for 24-48 hours before the test.
- Avoid using tampons, vaginal creams, medicines, or douches for 48 hours prior.
- No specific fasting is required; you can eat and drink normally.
- Inform your oncologist about any medications, allergies, or if you are pregnant.
Risks & possible complications
- The procedure is very safe with minimal risks.
- Minor spotting or light vaginal bleeding may occur afterward.
- Mild discomfort or a cramping sensation during the cell collection is possible.
- Very rare risk of infection.
- False-negative or false-positive results can occur, though uncommon.
Recovery & hospital stay
- No specific recovery period is needed; you can resume normal activities immediately.
- You might experience light spotting for a day or two; use a panty liner if needed.
- Avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, or using tampons for 24-48 hours as advised.
- Results are usually available within 1-3 weeks; follow up with your oncologist to discuss them.
- If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, contact your doctor promptly.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0 days (Immediate)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pap smear in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pap smear in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Cytecare Hospital, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pap smear. MediFyr helps you compare oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pap smear compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Pap Smear in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated oncologist teams and experience managing patients undergoing pap smear.
Aditya Miller, a 45-year-old transgender man,...
Aditya Miller, a 45-year-old transgender man, had been on testosterone therapy for 15 years. He had not had routine cervical cancer screening for over a decade due to past traumatic experiences in gynecological settings and a complex relationship with his reproductive anatomy. He presented to his primary care doctor with persistent, unexplained intermenstrual spotting. His doctor, understanding his history, referred him to a specialized oncologist with experience in transgender healthcare. The oncologist, Dr. Lee, spent a full consultation discussing Aditya's fears, explaining the procedure in gender-affirming language, and creating a plan for minimal discomfort. During the Pap smear, Dr. Lee was calm, respectful, and checked in constantly. The procedure was physically quick but emotionally significant. The results came back showing low-grade abnormal cells (ASC-US). While this required a follow-up plan, Aditya felt immense relief at having faced his fear. His emotional journey shifted from one of dread and avoidance to empowered vigilance. He now has a trusted specialist and a clear monitoring schedule, feeling in control of his health for the first time in years.
Oncologists for Pap Smear
Explore experienced oncologists who regularly perform pap smear and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Medical Oncologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 23 Years Experience
- Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada