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Pap Smear Specialist in New York, NY – Rosh MFM

rosh pap smear services

Pap Smear

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected at an early stage. A routine Pap smear is the most reliable tool for catching it. At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, our physicians recommend regular preventive pelvic exams and Pap smears as a fundamental part of every woman’s health routine.

Staying on schedule with your screenings gives you the best possible chance of identifying any changes before they progress. If you have not had a Pap smear in the last three years, call our Midtown East office or book an appointment online today.

Pap Smear Screening: What It Is and Why It Matters

A Pap smear is a cervical cancer screening procedure in which your physician uses a small scraper or brush to collect tissue from your cervix. That sample is sent to a laboratory where trained technicians examine the cells for precancerous or cancerous changes. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes during a routine pelvic exam and causes minimal discomfort for most patients.

When Pap smears are performed consistently over the years, precancerous changes can be identified and treated well before they develop into cancer. This is what makes routine screening so valuable. Catching abnormal cells at the earliest stage dramatically improves treatment outcomes and helps eliminate the need for more involved intervention.

Who Needs a Pap Smear?

Pap smear recommendations vary by age and health history. The general guidelines our physicians follow are:

  • Women aged 21 to 29: Pap smear every three years
  • Women aged 30 to 65: A combined Pap test and HPV test every five years, or a Pap test alone every three years

Some patients may need more frequent screening based on their personal health history. Examples include a prior abnormal Pap result, a history of cervical cancer, HIV status, or a weakened immune system. Our physicians review your individual history at every visit and advise you on the screening schedule that best fits your situation.

Screening for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer develops from the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Most people who contract HPV never develop health problems because the immune system clears the virus on its own. In some cases, certain high-risk strains of HPV manage to invade healthy cervical cells, causing them to multiply abnormally. Over time, this progression can lead to precancerous changes and eventually cervical cancer if left undetected.

At the earliest stage, cervical cancer produces no symptoms at all, which is precisely why screening matters so much. As the disease progresses and begins to affect surrounding tissues, patients may notice abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, or pain during intercourse.

Reaching this stage without prior screening means the cancer has had time to develop unchecked. Routine Pap smears catch abnormal cells long before symptoms appear.

How Often Should You Get Tested?

Consistency is the most important factor in effective cervical cancer prevention. Missing a scheduled screening, even by a year or two, creates a window during which changes can progress undetected.

Our team tracks your screening history and sends reminders so you never miss your next Pap smear. Patients with additional risk factors may benefit from a more frequent schedule, and we discuss this with you openly at every gynecologic visit.

Meet Our Physicians

Pap smear screenings and cervical health management at Rosh MFM are provided by a team of board-certified OB/GYN physicians with extensive experience in preventive gynecologic care.

Dr. Daniel Roshan, MD, FACOG, FACS, leads our practice with deep expertise in women’s health, high-risk obstetrics, and gynecologic care. His credentials reflect fellowship-level recognition from two of the most respected medical organizations in the country.

Our full team of physicians across our five New York locations brings the same standard of attentive, thorough care to every screening appointment. Patients travel from across the New York area to receive gynecologic care at our offices in Kips Bay, Lenox Hill, Midtown, Brooklyn, and Great Neck.

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Due For A Cancer Screening?

A Pap smear is just one part of staying on top of your gynecologic health. Our cancer screening services cover a broader range of preventive tests to give you a fuller picture of your health.

Learn More

Credentials Behind Your Care

Routine screenings like Pap smears are only as reliable as the physicians and clinical team performing and reviewing them. Our team brings a high level of professional recognition to preventive gynecologic care.

All of our physicians carry board certification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). They have subspecialty certification in maternal-fetal medicine held by our MFM specialists.

Several of our physicians also hold fellowship designations from leading national medical organizations:

  • FACOG – Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • FACS – Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Dr. Daniel Roshan holds the MD, FACOG, FACS designation. It’s a combination that places him among a distinguished group of physicians recognized for expertise across both obstetric and surgical disciplines.

What Our Patients Say

Nothing tells the story of our practice better than the words of the patients we have had the privilege of caring for.

“I had been putting off my Pap smear for years out of anxiety, but the team at Rosh MFM made the experience completely manageable. My physician was calm, informative, and genuinely kind throughout the entire visit.” — Theresa M.

“The staff walked me through every step before and after my screening. Getting my results was stress-free because my doctor took the time to explain exactly what they meant. I finally feel on top of my health.” — Caroline B.

Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools available in women’s health. A routine Pap smear is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself. At Rosh MFM, our team makes the screening process straightforward, supportive, and as comfortable as possible. Reach out today to book your appointment at any of our New York locations.

Pap Smear Q & A

Q.

Who should get a Pap smear?

A.

A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer. Your doctor at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine uses a scraper or brush to take tissue from your cervix, then it’s sent to a laboratory where trained technicians check for precancerous or cancerous cellular changes.

When you follow the recommended schedule and consistently have Pap smears over the years, precancerous changes can be identified early and treated before they grow into cancer. It’s important to follow this schedule to be sure you catch cervical cancer at the earliest possible stage: (see Ref 1, para 2)

  • Women aged 21-29: Pap smear every three years
  • Women aged 30-65: Pap test and HPV test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years

Q.

What causes cervical cancer?

A.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. The type of HPV that develops into cancer is transmitted during sexual intercourse with someone who’s infected with HPV.

You can get the HPV virus and not develop health problems, because your immune system stops the virus. When the virus manages to invade healthy cells in the cervix, it makes them grow too quickly, gradually changing into precancerous cells then progressing to become cervical cancer.

Q.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

A.

At the early stage, you won’t have symptoms. As cancer affects surrounding tissues and begins to spread you may experience:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (longer, heavier, between periods, or after menopause)
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pain during sex

Q.

What happens if you have an abnormal Pap smear?

A.

The cervical cells on the Pap smear are graded based on the changes in their size and shape. Their grade determines the next step. You may be able to wait for a period of time then return for a repeat screening, or you may need to have an HPV test to screen for the types of HPV known to cause cancer.

When the test results are cause for concern, you’ll need to have a colposcopy. A colposcope is a special instrument used to give your doctor a close view of tissues in your vagina and cervix and to perform a biopsy to verify your diagnosis.

Q.

How are abnormal cervical cells treated?

A.

When a tissue biopsy verifies abnormal cervical cells, one of the following procedures may be done:

  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): electrical current is used to remove tissue
  • Cryotherapy: abnormal tissues are destroyed by freezing
  • Laser therapy: intense light beam is used to destroy abnormal cells
  • Conization: a cone-shaped piece of cervix containing the abnormal cells is removed

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