Nowa Estetyka > Gynecology > Cytology

Cervical Cytology in Wrocław – Nowa Estetyka Medical Center

Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cytology testing is an effective diagnostic method for the early detection of precancerous changes in the cervix. When diagnosed at a pre-invasive stage, the disease is completely curable – the key is early detection.

The development of cervical cancer is most commonly caused by oncogenic types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV 16 and 18 (very high risk of cancer development). It is estimated that these types are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. However, being infected with HPV does not automatically lead to cancer; many sexually active individuals are infected with HPV during their lifetime, but not all are infected with oncogenic types of the virus. Cervical cancer occurs after prolonged infection with HPV.

Learn more about HPV testing >>

Precancerous stages often show no symptoms, and any potential discomfort can be so non-specific that it does not prompt a medical consultation.

Cytology – What Does the Test Involve?

Traditional cytology involves collecting a sample of mucus and epithelial cells from the vaginal portion and the surface of the cervix using a special brush. The sample is then applied to a slide, fixed, and sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. The collection process is painless and takes only a few minutes. Some epithelial abnormalities and inflammations detected during the test are harmless, but the presence of cancer cells requires further diagnostic procedures.

LBC Cytology vs. Traditional Cytology

Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC), also known as monolayer cytology, is an enhanced, more precise screening method. The brush used to collect the sample is placed in a liquid medium without transferring the material onto a slide and fixing it. It is much less likely that the sample will be unassessable, which can happen with traditional cytology. This type of sample is also easier to evaluate and more sensitive to potential abnormalities.

Liquid-based cytology allows for the HPV test or testing for the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis from the same sample (co-testing).

Indications for Gynecological Cytology

  • Routine screening for cervical cancer prevention – for women over 25 who have not had the test within the last three years
  • Evaluation of the effectiveness of hormonal therapies
  • Symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge (brown, blood-tinged), pain during intercourse, lower abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, or post-menopausal bleeding

It is advisable to have your first cytology test no later than three years after becoming sexually active or, for women who are not sexually active, after turning 25.

Cytology – When Should the Test Be Done?

A cytology sample can be taken two days after the end of your period, ideally around the 10th day of your cycle, but no later than two weeks before it ends. Cytology cannot be performed during menstruation.

How Often Should Cytology Be Repeated?

If the results of the previous cytology were normal and the HPV test was negative, the next cytology can be performed after two years. The Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians allows for comprehensive testing (cytology and HPV test) every five years. There is minimal risk of developing cancerous lesions in such a short time. The period from infection to the development of cervical cancer is typically 10-15 years.

Women infected with HPV, those who are not in monogamous relationships, or individuals with weakened immune systems are in a higher-risk group. This also applies to pregnant women (between the 1st and 3rd and 7th-9th months) and patients with a family history of reproductive organ or breast cancer. In these cases, cytology should be repeated every 6-12 months, as advised by a physician.

Does Cytology Detect HPV?

Traditional and liquid-based cytology are not intended to rule out HPV infection and cannot replace an HPV test. In some cases, cytology results may suggest that the patient has been infected.

Cytology – How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

  • Avoid using lubricants or other vaginal products, including tampons, for two days before the test
  • No sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before the test
  • The cytological swab should be taken before any other transvaginal exam (e.g., transvaginal ultrasound)
  • If you have symptoms of an infection, such as unusual discharge, the infection must be treated before the swab is taken

At the Nowa Estetyka aesthetic medicine center, the sample is collected by a physician during a gynecological consultation.