Cervical and breast cancer screening (pap smear & CBE) at Dr Ahuja Clinic by Dr Ruchi Rahi Ahuja

Breast cancer and Cervical cancer are the two most commonly occurring cancers in women . Both areas are easily accessible to screening by a Gynecologist

Cervical cancer screening

Cervix is the mouth of the uterus. It can be easily visualized by a gynaecologist by using simple instruments. It can easily get infected as it is exposed to the exterior through the vagina. HPV (human papilloma virus) is notorious in causing changes in the cells of the cervix and in certain cases over time the virus if not eliminated by the body’s immune response can cause cancer. HPV is responsible for more than 90% of cancer of the cervix. Such changes in the cervical cells due to HPV infections/ other infections/ precancerous / cancerous changes can be detected easily by a simple gynae procedure popularly called a PAP smear. Here the cells of the cervix are scraped off with the help of either a wooden spatula (Ayer’s spatula) or a brush. A slide is then prepared from the sample thus obtained and the pathologist then looks in a microscope and issues a report. This helps the gynaecologist in further reassuring/ treating the patient.

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is the most common cancer of the women. Its screening is done by the following ways:

Breast self examination (done by self) and CBE (clinical breast examination )done by an expert (breast specialist). Radiology also complements the examination and this depends on the age of the patient. Generally a patient less than 35 years of age is advised ultrasound and more than 35 yrs is advised mammography for screening. MRI & elastography of the breast are other methods of breast screening ordered by the breast specialist occasionally.

If you are looking for a Gynaecologist in Chandigarh for breast/ cervical cancer screening , then you must consult Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja.

Dr Alok Ahuja is a Cancer Specialist in Chandigarh.