Cervical Cancer:
New technology improves test reliability
For years, very little changed in the way women were screened for cervical cancer.
But there have been some major advances recently that make the pap smear test significantly better for cervical cancer detection and prevention.
Lancaster General Cytology Laboratory is now using computer-based Imaging-Directed Cytology (IDC) and human interpretive expertise to spot potential problems. It aids doctors in locating cellular abnormalities that may indicate a risk for precancerous changes. If left undetected, those cells can develop into cervical cancer.
IDC works with the ThinPrep® Imaging System, which utilizes the ThinPrep® Pap Test offered to patients by most OB/GYN doctors and family physicians. It allows pathologists to get a thin layer of cells for analysis, making it easier to locate abnormal cells.
“One slide can show as many as 300,000 cells,” says Debra Grove-Mahoney, MD, pathologist in the Lancaster General Hospital Department of Pathology. “When they are layered on top of one-another, it can be difficult for a cytologist to locate the eight or 10 abnormal cells that can signal a potential problem.”
Since ThinPrep® is a more sensitive test, abnormalities can be found earlier than with conventional pap tests, Dr. Grove-Mahoney says. “It helps cytologists concentrate on the cells that are unusual and focus on what they do best—identifying abnormal cells more effectively before passing along results to the pathologist.
“The computer scans the slide and determines the 22 areas where there would most likely be cell abnormalities,” she adds. “So while the results that come to me are the same as before, my level of confidence in those results is greater.”
It also uses a dual review methology, which means that more than one set of trained eyes are reviewing every slide.
“The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome,” says Charles Castle, MD, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital. “Early abnormalities are harder to find but easier to cure. And when results are normal, women are relieved sooner.”
Not all doctors send results to a lab using IDC or ThinPrep®. Women who want their pap test to be screened using this process should talk to their gynecologist and request that it be sent to the Lancaster General Hospital Cytology Lab.
“This is part of Lancaster General Hospital’s commitment to women’s health and providing the best technology possible,” Dr. Castle says.
Early detection of cervical cancer also requires annual checkups. If it’s been over a year since your last visit, contact your doctor, or click on “Find a Doctor” to find a doctor near you.
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