Oncocytology: what is it and in what case it is necessary to pass the analysis?

The task of every modern woman of any age is to carefully monitor her health, and for gynecological, of course, too. For this, once a year, it is required to undergo a full dispensary, to take all the recommended tests, including to carry out such a study as oncocytology. What is this and why is the result of this analysis so important? This will be discussed in this article.

Oncocytology-what is it?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common female diseases, with which doctors and scientists around the world are struggling. Taking a smear on oncocytology allows you to detect precancerous cells and start the appropriate treatment as early as possible, which is why such an analysis is considered extremely important.

Oncocytological study involves taking a smear from the vagina and cervix, as well as examining and analyzing the bilayer epithelium covering the cervix.

The first layer of epithelium, a cylindrical single-layer, covers the neck from the side of the cervical canal. The second layer, flat and multilayered, covers the vagina.

Investigation of the structure of these layers of the epithelium under a microscope makes it possible to see how healthy the cells are, and to determine whether there are mutants among them, that is, cancerous ones.

Analysis of cervical cancer oncology reveals not only the presence of altered cells, but also shows the presence of any inflammatory process or any other changes in the epithelium. Many diseases found at an early stage are amenable to successful treatment.

Indications for taking the analysis on oncocytology

Taking a smear on oncocytology is shown to all women, starting from the age of 18.

If you believe the statistics, even women who do not have bad habits, engage in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle, nevertheless, are prone to cancer.

Therefore, to give an analysis of oncocytology of the cervix is required for all representatives of the fair sex who have reached adulthood. This should be done both in case of suspicion and prevention.

If a pathology of the cervix is found, the test should be taken at least twice a year. For preventive purposes, one study is sufficient in 12 months.

Human papillomavirus is an indispensable indication for oncocytological research, since this virus most often causes the formation of cancerous processes.

In addition to the main indications, a cervical smear for oncocytology is prescribed for women with menstrual disorders, infertility, complaints of pain in the lower abdomen, with prolonged hormonal treatment. In the risk zone are also women who have close relatives of cancer.

Oncocytology for elderly women

There is an erroneous opinion that the women after the onset of menopause problems with the sexual sphere disappear. This delusion leads to the fact that doctors detect deeply neglected cancers, which sometimes can not be cured. Therefore, it is not superfluous to remind moms and grandmothers that the analysis on oncocytology is required to be taken annually, regardless of the elderly age and health status.

Oncocytology for pregnant women

Know about the need for such an analysis, as oncocytology, what it is and what it is for, should every woman still at the stage of pregnancy planning.

The most correct is to take a single analysis before the expected pregnancy, especially for women who have reached the age of thirty and older. After all, during pregnancy all diseases have a tendency to sharply aggravate, which can lead to loss of the fetus and various complications.

During pregnancy the doctor prescribes oncocytological examination three times. However, in the case of a threat of miscarriage, the doctor can cancel the procedure, since taking this kind of analysis involves some interference, which can damage the bearing of the fetus. In each case, the doctor makes a decision individually.

How does an analysis for oncocytology?

The analysis fence is performed in the treatment room in the gynecological chair by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The cells are collected by plucking a small amount of epithelium from the surface of the cervix. To do this, the midwife uses a set of sterile tools, consisting of a brush and a special spatula.

The procedure does not require the administration of pain medication, as it is completely painless. Nevertheless, many patients are afraid of some deformation of the epithelium and painful sensations, but this is fundamentally wrong.

The area of the vagina is not damaged in any way, the structure of the epithelium remains intact, since no trace remains of the sampling of the analysis. The analysis is absolutely not traumatic and will not force a woman to experience pain or discomfort.

After taking the analysis for one or two days, there may be spotting that goes away without treatment.

The collected analysis is located on a sterile piece of glass, glass can be up to 3 pieces. Then they are treated with a fixing solution and coloring solutions are added.

In the laboratory, the morphologist examines the cells under a microscope and issues his conclusion. Based on the results of the cytological report, the physician prescribes appropriate treatment.

Preparation for the procedure

From the results of any analysis depends on the health and life of the patient, does not constitute an exception and a smear on oncocytology. The results of the analysis will depend, including on how correctly the woman has prepared for the procedure.

Immediately it is worth mentioning that you can not take the analysis during the menstrual cycle, as well as in the presence of any other bloody discharge. Immediately prior to the onset of menstruation or immediately after its completion, the best time is when it is recommended to give a smear to oncocytology. Inflammation of the external genitalia will also be a contraindication.

In order to obtain the most reliable result, two days before the examination it is recommended to exclude sexual relations, exclude syringing, do not use a tampon, any creams, ointments and vaginal suppositories.

Before delivering a smear on oncocytology, the results of which will largely depend on how thoroughly the woman has prepared, within 48 hours it is not recommended to visit a gynecologist and perform any manipulations on the gynecological chair. All visits to the doctor must be rescheduled at any time after the analysis is submitted.

Bathing is also not recommended two days before the study, it is better to do with a shower.

Types of oncocytology

The kind of analysis for oncytology can be of two forms:

• Simple oncocytologists;
• Liquid oncocytology.

When carrying out liquid oncocytology, the material taken is not smeared on the glass, as during simple oncocytology, but on a special brush it drops into a vial with a special medium. The analysis is preserved inside the liquid, turning into an even layer of washed cells.

This method of taking the analysis is innovative, it is not used in all clinics. Fluid oncocytology allows the cytologist to obtain the most reliable result.

Analysis of the analysis

After the oncocytology was performed in the procedure room, the analysis is done in the laboratory by a cytologist, usually it takes about two weeks.

There are five classes of cervical conditions:

1. The first class is the norm. Hence, no atypical cells were found in the smear. All cells are of normal shape and size.
2. Second class - there is an inflammatory process, for example, colpitis.
3. The third class - in a smear there are atypical cells in a small amount. It is required to conduct a repeated analysis without fail.
4. The fourth class - in a smear there are malignant cells.
5. The fifth class - all cells in the smear are atypical. The likelihood of cancer is high.

However, it is worthwhile to know that the analysis on oncocytology is not an accurate indicator of cancer, it only indicates the changes occurring in the cells, for the subsequent more thorough study.

The final diagnosis is made by the doctor after a series of tests and examinations, as well as observation of the symptoms.

Cytological research also contains the following data:

1. Cervical smear from the canal - the condition of the flat epithelium from the side of the vagina and from the side of the cervical canal is estimated.
2. Smear from the vaginal part - the cells of the multilayered flat epithelium covering the vaginal part of the cervix are examined.

A sufficient amount of the material under investigation is required for a reliable result. Otherwise, the doctor in the conclusion indicates an inadequate (insufficient for the study) amount of the drug.

Oncocytology during inflammation

For preventive purposes or with a suspicion of gynecological disease, a doctor is assigned oncocytology. Inflammation, if any, can prevent the identification of cancer cells.

In this case, it is required to pass a simple smear on the mycloroflora to find out the focus of the infection, and also to pass tests for sexually transmitted diseases.

After the treatment, the analysis for oncocytology should be repeated. It will show whether the treatment helped, and reliably determine the presence of cancer cells in the smear.

Negative results

If the analysis on oncocytology shows the presence of cancer cells, first of all, one should not give in to panic. Abnormality often does not mean that a woman develops malignant neoplasms and that the situation can not be corrected.

As studies show, a bad smear on oncocytology happens quite often, and cervical cancer is much rarer.

A qualified doctor will explain what kind of abnormalities have been identified, and will prescribe additional tests, for example, colposcopy or a biopsy.

In any case, it should be remembered that an abnormal smear on oncocytology is not always a proof of the presence of cancer in a woman.

Every modern woman should be informed about the importance of such an analysis as oncocytology, what it is and why the analysis is so necessary for the timely detection of cancer.