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Difference between HPV and Pap Smear test
Know the difference and make the right choice!
HPV TEST v/s Pap Smear Test
HPV tests and Pap Tests help find changes in the cervix or the presence of a virus and inflammation so that it can be treated before it turns into deadly cancer. While both are seen as preventive measure tests, each test has its limitations and one is more relevant than the other.
Neither HPV nor Pap tests detect cancer directly, abnormal test result from either indicates that more testing is needed to gather a correct diagnosis.
Let�s read on to understand both the tests
HPV TEST
HPV(Human Papilloma Virus) is a common sexually transmitted infection. Majority of them get cleared over time, but few types of HPV may eventually lead to cancer- these are called “high-risk HPV”.
A HPV test detects these high-risk HPV DNA on your cervix.
Pap Smear Test
This test looks for abnormal cells on your cervix which may transform into cancer in some.
Pap smear finds changes caused by High-risk HPV, but does not detect the virus itself.
Now the question arises. Which test is better?
While the Pap test checks for abnormal cells that are generated by the HPV virus. HPV test checks directly for the presence of the virus and this maybe even before the virus has changed the normal cells of the cervix.
Therefore, the HPV test is more preventive.
Between the onset of the virus and the detection of abnormal cell growth by a pap smear test,a lot can be lost. The virus may cause irrepairable damage or the rapid spread of cancer cells. To save this precious time span it is advisable to undergo an HPV test.
HPV-DNA testing detects high-risk strains of HPV which cause almost all cervical cancers. Unlike tests that rely on visual inspectionlike Pap test, HPV-DNA testing is an objective diagnostic, leaving no space for interpretation of results.
Thus, HPV testing doesn’t rely on expertise of the doctor and can be done anywhere.
HPV testing also requires fewer numbers of tests in one’s life span and longer interval periods.
WHO suggests using either of the following strategies for cervical cancer prevention:
- HPV DNA detection in a screen-and-treat approach starting at the age of 30 years with regular screening every 5 to 10 years till the age of 65 years.
- HPV DNA detection in a screen, triage and treat approach starting at the age of 30 years with regular screening every 5 to 10 years till the age of 65 years.
Whereas Pap smear, if done, requires to be repeated every 3 years.
Do you still need HPV test if you have taken the HPV vaccine?
Yes. HPV vaccine is a great way to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer but it doesn’t prevent against all types of HPV.