Cervical Screening (Pap Smear) and HPV Testing in Dubai
Cervical screening finds changes in the cells of the cervix years before they could become cancer, which is why cervical cancer is now uncommon where screening is routine. It is a two-minute sample taken during a gynaecology consultation, tested for abnormal cells, for high-risk HPV, or both. At Smart Care Polyclinic in Deira it is done by a female gynaecologist, with the HPV vaccine available for those eligible.
For: women from 21 to 65; sooner if symptoms
Takes: a few minutes within a consultation
Price: consultation AED 150 · test quoted
What it is
Almost all cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus. HPV is extremely common, most infections clear on their own within two years, and a small proportion persist and slowly change the cells of the cervix over many years. Screening catches those changes at a stage where a simple treatment prevents cancer.
How often depends on age and on which test is used. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends cytology (the smear) every three years from 21 to 29, and from 30 to 65 either cytology every three years, high-risk HPV testing every five years, or both together every five years; screening is not recommended under 21 or after 65 with an adequate screening history.1 Those are the intervals the gynaecologist here follows, adjusted for your history.
Vaccination prevents the infections that cause it. A systematic review of population data from 60 million people found large falls in HPV infections, genital warts and pre-cancerous cervical lesions in the years after national vaccination programmes began.2 The vaccine is most effective before exposure but is licensed into adulthood; the gynaecologist can advise whether it is worthwhile for you.
What the result means
A normal result means repeat at the usual interval. An HPV-positive result with normal cells usually means a repeat in a year, because most infections clear. Abnormal cells are graded; low-grade changes are watched, higher-grade changes are referred for colposcopy, a closer look at the cervix with treatment of the affected area if needed. An abnormal result is not a cancer diagnosis; it is the screening doing its job.
Symptoms are not a screening matter
Bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause, or an unusual discharge, needs an examination now, not the next scheduled screen. Screening is for women without symptoms; symptoms are assessed directly.
The consultation, and what follows from it
Gynaecology consultation, with ultrasound
Assessment, examination and a plan with every cost stated before anything further is done.
AED 150 was AED 250
BookHPV and the other infections, explained
Questions patients ask
Every three years from 21 to 29; from 30 to 65 either every three years with cytology alone or every five years with an HPV test, alone or combined, following the USPSTF recommendation. More often if a previous result was abnormal.
It is uncomfortable for a few seconds rather than painful. It is done by a female gynaecologist during an ordinary consultation, and takes a couple of minutes.
It is licensed for adults and is most effective before any exposure to HPV. The gynaecologist can advise on the benefit for you and arrange the course.
This guide is general information, not advice about you. Symptoms overlap between conditions, and the gynaecologist's history, examination and ultrasound are what decide your assessment and treatment.
References
- US Preventive Services Task Force, Curry SJ, Krist AH, et al.. Screening for Cervical Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2018;320(7):674-686. PMID 30140884. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10897Cytology every 3 years at 21-29; at 30-65 cytology every 3 years, hrHPV testing every 5 years, or co-testing every 5 years; no screening under 21 or over 65 with adequate prior screening.
- Drolet M, Benard E, Perez N, Brisson M, et al.. Population-level impact and herd effects following the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccination programmes: updated systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. 2019;394(10197):497-509. PMID 31255301. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30298-3A meta-analysis showing measurable falls in HPV infection and genital warts at population level after vaccination programmes were introduced.
Sources are listed for the specific statements they support. They are published research and guidance, not a substitute for a consultation — what applies to you is decided by a doctor who has assessed you.