The analysis of cells is called cytology.
Before delving fully into the meaning of the term cytology , we are going to proceed to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can indicate that it is a word that comes from Greek. Specifically, it is the result of the sum of two clearly differentiated parts:
-The noun kytos , which can be translated as "cell."
-The word lodge , which is synonymous with "study."
What is cytology
Cytology is the specialty of biology that is dedicated to the analysis of cells (the fundamental unit of a living being with independent reproductive capacity). The concept is also used as a synonym for cytodiagnosis : the diagnostic process that is carried out based on the study of cells and their result.
Cytologists , therefore, investigate and study everything related to the structure, biochemistry and physiology of cells , whether they are in normal conditions or in a pathological state. When cytology is aimed at cells in a normal state, it is part of cellular biology ; If it is focused on cells that are going through some pathology, it is part of the so-called cytopathology .
In addition to the specialty and the diagnostic process, cytology is the material that is extracted for study, the methods used for said extraction and the document that presents the results of the analysis in question.
Exfoliative cytology consists of collecting cells obtained from manual scraping (mechanical exfoliation) or from spontaneous detachment from the body (spontaneous exfoliation). Interventive cytology , for its part, involves an intervention in the body, such as a puncture with aspiration using a needle.
The cellular material extracted for study and the diagnosis made from this examination are also known as cytology.
Vaginal cytology
One of the most common cytological tests is vaginal cytology , cervical cytology or Papanicolaou test . The doctor, using a scraping, collects cells from the vagina, cervix and endocervix. These cells are analyzed to detect possible abnormalities that can help diagnose uterine cancer .
Specifically, vaginal cytology is carried out by introducing the doctor with a type of brush or spatula to gently scrape the cervix. Thanks to this test, not only cervical-uterine cancer can be discovered, but also infections or even injuries.
Variations by region
In each country, and even in each medical institution, the recommendations regarding this intervention may be different. Generally, vaginal cytology is indicated once three years have passed since the first sexual intercourse, in women who are already over 21 years of age and, although this is not the same in all countries, it is advisable to repeat it at least every three years.
If the most recent results are not completely satisfactory or if the patient has certain factors that make her especially prone to developing tumors, more frequent vaginal cytology is recommended. On the other hand, when there are periods of five years or more between one control and another, some clinics consider it necessary to carry out two one year apart, and then return to the frequency of one every three years.
How often is cervical cytology performed?
Of course, it is recommended that cytology be performed annually in women who have these characteristics:
-Your previous cytology tests gave unsatisfactory results.
-They have a very active sexual life.
-They have a history of having had to suffer from a sexually transmitted disease.
-They have vaginal warts.
Factors that lead to not doing the procedure
Similarly, there are certain points to keep in mind to know when not to do a Pap smear . For example, it is recommended not to carry out this procedure in people who have not yet turned 21 years of age, regardless of whether they have had sexual relations. The reasons for this very particular requirement are basically two: on the one hand, cervical cancer is not common in such young women; It is very normal that at that age cytology detects certain alterations that then disappear spontaneously.
Women who have not yet had sexual relations should not undergo this test either, since in general, cervical cancer is almost always associated with an infection that is only acquired through intercourse. The virus responsible for such an infection is papillomavirus, and it cannot enter the body by any other means.
Advanced age is another of the determining factors to limit the performance of vaginal cytology: in general, specialists agree that women over 65 years of age do not need it, as long as they have had one every three years in the last decade; However, this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, especially if they are still sexually active.
Recommendations before cytology
When you have to go to an appointment with the gynecologist and the gynecologist is scheduled to perform a cytology, it is necessary for the woman to comply with a series of rules:
-You should not use spermicides, creams or even suppositories several days before going to the appointment.
-You must cancel the appointment if you are menstruating.
-You should avoid having sexual relations in the 48 hours before the cytology.
-You should also not carry out an internal vaginal wash before attending the appointment.