The importance of the Papanicolaou test for HPV screening

ABSTRACT

Background: HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection, as it is estimated that approximately 80% of sexually active women will be exposed at least once in their lifetime to such an infection. However, this infection is, in most cases, transient and rarely causes lesions. Objective: This study aims to analyze the framework of perceptions, facts, situations and processes, in order to identify and examine the existing relationships between causes and effects of the diagnosis of HPV through the preventive examination of the cervix, also known as Pap smear test, evaluating the impact caused by the diagnosis of lesions associated with HPV on female sexuality. Methodology: The research method used in this work was based on books, scientific articles from scientific bases such as Medline, Lilacs and SciELO and articles on the internet, which is therefore a bibliographical research. Conclusion: After reading, analyzing, comparing and synthesizing the content of scientific articles by different authors on the subject under discussion, it was found that although HPV is one of the most common types of cancer in women, the examination of the cervix or Pap test is extremely effective in early diagnosis of the disease. Through it, the most appropriate treatment can be indicated in each case.

Key words: Women’s health. HPV. Papillomavirus. Cervical examination. Preventive Examination. Pap smear.