CERVICAL SMEAR Meaning and
Definition
-
Cervical smear, commonly known as a Pap smear, is a medical procedure used to screen for cervical cancer and detect any abnormal changes in the cells of a woman's cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina.
During a cervical smear, a healthcare professional collects a small sample of cells from the cervix using a specially designed brush or spatula. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is carefully examined.
The purpose of a cervical smear is to identify any precancerous or cancerous cells that may be present in the cervix. It allows for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, which greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Cervical smears are usually recommended for women aged 21 to 65 years, as they help in identifying potential abnormalities long before they develop into cancer. Regular screening is crucial in detecting any changes in the cervix early on, even if the person does not experience any symptoms.
Cervical smears have been proven to be highly effective in reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with cervical cancer. They are an important part of women's preventive healthcare, along with other methods such as vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and practicing safe sex.
Common Misspellings for CERVICAL SMEAR
- xervical smear
- vervical smear
- fervical smear
- dervical smear
- cwrvical smear
- csrvical smear
- cdrvical smear
- crrvical smear
- c4rvical smear
- c3rvical smear
- ceevical smear
- cedvical smear
- cefvical smear
- cetvical smear
- ce5vical smear
- ce4vical smear
- cercical smear
- cerbical smear
- cergical smear
Etymology of CERVICAL SMEAR
The word "cervical" is derived from the Latin word "cervix" which means "neck" or "narrow part". In this context, it refers to the neck of the uterus or the lower part of the womb that connects it to the vagina.
"Smear" in the medical context refers to a procedure where a sample of cells or tissue is spread thinly on a glass slide or other surface for microscopic examination. The term "smear" is derived from the Old English word "smyrian" or "smerian", which means "to smear" or "smudge".
Therefore, the term "cervical smear" refers to the process of collecting cells from the cervix by gently scraping or brushing its surface, and then spreading the collected sample on a slide for examination under a microscope.
Similar spelling words for CERVICAL SMEAR
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
