Papanicolau: a importância do exame preventivo

Abstract

In 1940, Dr. George Papanicolaou created an exam that until nowadays is helping in the screening and control of the cancer of uterus lap. The exam of Papanicoloau consists of a gynecological exam used by the gynecologists to verify alterations in the cervical cells that can be indications of infections or alterations that can predispose cancer. It is a simple and fast exam where the doctor introduces a speculate in the vagina that allows the opening of the walls of the vagina and with a cotton swab, brush or a slat removes some cells of the lap of the uterus, which will be ordered to the laboratory for microscopically to be analyzed. All of the women, mainly the sexually active, would owe if it submits to a preventive exam at least once a year. Data world championships appear for a high tax of the woman's mortality with consequence of cancer of uterus lap. The cancer will continue attacking women that don't make regular gynecological exams and tests for detection of diseases. The real possibility exists of reducing significantly the incidence of gynecological cancer, it is enough to structure an effective program of combat to the cancer, with educational campaigns for the feminine population of risk. In the last 50 years the incidence and the mortality for cancer of uterus lap are decreasing thanks to the new screening techniques of the Papanicolaou test. Therefore, it is one of the most important exams for the prevention of the health of women. The prevention is always the best medicine.