HPV & PAP test

All women residing in Friuli Venezia Giulia who are 25 years of age or older can participate in screening programs for the prevention of cervical cancer.

For women aged 25 to 29, every 3 years they are invited to undergo cervical screening which will be performed with the Pap test. Women aged 30 to 64 are invited every five years to undergo the test which will be performed with the Hpv-DNA test.

Women residing in Friuli Venezia Giulia between the ages of 25 and 29 are invited by letter every 3 years to undergo the Pap test.

Women aged 30 to 64 are invited every 5 years by letter to undergo the Hpv-DNA test.

Perhaps the address on your personal data sheet is not updated or there has been a problem with the postal delivery. In any case, if you fall within the age range to be included in the screening programs, you can contact the screening office of your health authority.

By calling the regional call center at the number 800 000 400, you can request to change the date to find one that is more suitable for your availability.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a type of virus capable of infecting human cells, initiating cancer formation processes. There are many HPV viruses, and most people come into contact with them at least once in their lifetime. In contrast, the HPV 16 and HPV 18 variants represent high-risk strains capable of causing 70% of cervical cancers.

In most cases, they are transmitted sexually. However, in most cases, our body recognizes the virus and activates the immune system to eliminate the infection. It is important to remember, however, that the Papilloma virus is present in 100% of cases of cervical cancer. For this reason, it is crucial to undergo regular screening tests (Pap test and HPV test).

These are laboratory tests for the detection of the HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus) that start from a small sample of secretions from the cervix using a small brush. The material is then analyzed to check for the presence or absence of the virus or its DNA.

In women up to 30, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infections are quite common and, in most cases, resolve spontaneously. For this reason, after a certain age, the HPV DNA test is proposed, which is able to detect the presence of lesions that could evolve into cancer. However, it is also less specific compared to the Pap test: therefore, in case of a positive result after the HPV test, the Pap test is also performed. If this test is also positive, a colposcopy is carried out.

It is a check similar to a gynecological visit: the gynecologist uses a tool called a colposcope, which is used to illuminate the cervix and see it enlarged. If the gynecologist sees alterations, they perform a biopsy, that is, a small sample, generally not painful, of tissue from the cervix. It may happen that after a colposcopy a small amount of bleeding may occur.

In the presence of a normal cervix or with mild lesions, the gynecologist will indicate the subsequent check-ups. In the case of more significant lesions, it will always be the gynecologist, on a case-by-case basis, who will indicate the paths to follow.

The two terms are often used to indicate the same thing. However, there are cases where "swab" refers only to the test done to see if there is a vaginal infection.

The presence of vaginitis (intense burning and/or severe itching and/or heavy discharge) advises against performing the Pap test, as it makes the correct interpretation of the test more difficult.