Medically reviewed by Dr. Shweta Agarwal, MBBS, DGO. Last updated: July 2026.
Information on this page is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Outcomes depend on individual clinical factors.
In Marathi, this is commonly called पॅप स्मीअर तपासणी — गर्भाशयाच्या मुखातून काही पेशी घेऊन त्यात असामान्य बदल आहेत का हे पाहणारी तपासणी. It sits within the broader women's health in Chandrapur services at Aansh Hospital & IVF Center, and complements the HPV vaccination discussed below.
Cervical cancer remains an important prevention priority in India — it was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in India in GLOBOCAN 2022, with an estimated 127,526 new cases (IARC Global Cancer Observatory, GLOBOCAN 2022). Yet only 2.3% of Maharashtra women aged 30–49 reported ever having a cervical-cancer screening test (self-reported, NFHS-5, 2019–20). Regular screening is one of the most effective preventive steps available in women's health.
Pap smear vs HPV test vs co-testing — what is the difference?
A Pap smear and an HPV test look for different things and are often used together. A Pap smear (cervical cytology) collects cervical cells and examines them for abnormal changes. A high-risk HPV DNA test checks whether cancer-linked HPV types are present. Co-testing does both. None of these, on its own, is a tissue diagnosis of cancer (FOGSI–ICOG 2024; US National Cancer Institute, 2025).
| Test | What it detects | India / FOGSI start age | Interval after a negative result | What a positive result means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pap smear (cytology) | Abnormal cervical cells | From 25 (good-resource setting); universal from 30 | About every 3 years | Cells look different from normal — not a cancer diagnosis; follow-up depends on the report |
| High-risk HPV DNA test | Presence of oncogenic HPV types | From 30 (WHO-preferred primary test) | Every 5–10 years | A high-risk HPV type is present — not cancer; triage and follow-up depend on genotype and history |
| Co-testing (Pap + HPV) | Both cells and virus | Individualised by clinician | Per report and history | Interpreted together; may lead to more follow-up than a single test |
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV causes about 95% of cervical cancers (WHO Cervical cancer fact sheet). Most HPV infections clear on their own; it is persistent high-risk infection that matters. A positive HPV result is not a judgement about a person's relationships or hygiene — the virus is common and can persist or reactivate after years. Your clinician advises which test, or combination, suits your age and history. Note that WHO's current guidance treats primary high-risk HPV testing as the preferred high-performance strategy, rather than co-testing by default.
Who should be screened, and how often?
For average-risk women in India, FOGSI 2024 recommends starting cervical screening at 25 in a good-resource clinical setting, with 30 as the universal recommendation — not the imported "start at 21" rule. India's public population programme screens women aged 30–65. Vaccinated women still need screening. A clinician may advise earlier or more frequent evaluation for individual reasons (FOGSI–ICOG 2024; MoHFW/NHM NCD module).
- Average-risk start age: 25 in a good-resource setting; 30 as the universal recommendation (FOGSI 2024).
- Interval after a negative result: Pap cytology about every 3 years, or primary high-risk HPV testing every 5–10 years (FOGSI 2024; WHO 2021).
- Living with HIV or immunosuppression: start at 25, with HPV testing preferred and intervals not exceeding about 3 years (FOGSI 2024; WHO).
- Stopping routine screening: generally around 65, only with adequate prior negatives — for example, 3 consecutive negative cytology results or 2 negative HPV tests in the previous 10 years, the most recent within 5 years (FOGSI 2024).
- After a total hysterectomy that removed the cervix for a benign reason: routine screening is generally not recommended; it continues or is individualised if the surgery was for cervical precancer/cancer or if the cervix remains (FOGSI 2024; NCI 2025).
Different organisations abroad quote different start ages; this Chandrapur page follows FOGSI 2024 India guidance. Importantly, symptoms at any age need clinical assessment — that is diagnostic evaluation, not routine screening. Dr. Shweta Agarwal will set an interval that fits your age, past results and history as part of routine gynaecology care.
What happens during the appointment? Does it hurt?
A clinician gently places a speculum to see the cervix, then uses a small soft brush or spatula to collect cervical cells. The examination usually takes only a few minutes, and the sample collection itself is brief. The same sample can be used for a Pap smear, an HPV test, or both, depending on what is ordered (NCI 2025). No scan or radiation is involved.
Experience varies from person to person. Some feel pressure, brief cramping or mild discomfort, and some notice light spotting afterward. It is not accurate to promise it is "painless" or over in a fixed number of seconds. You can ask the clinician to pause, to use a smaller speculum where appropriate, or to explain each step — and it helps to mention beforehand any anxiety or a previous painful examination. Choosing a female gynaecologist and a private examination room helps many first-time patients in Chandrapur feel more at ease. Most people return to their usual activities the same day.
When to book: it is usually easier to get a clear cytology sample when there is no active menstrual bleeding, because blood can obscure the cells. If your flow is light, or the appointment is for a symptom such as bleeding between periods, contact the clinic rather than automatically postponing. (Specific preparation and aftercare instructions are confirmed by the clinic at the time of booking.)
Symptoms are not a reason to wait for a routine test
Screening is for people without symptoms. Certain symptoms should prompt a clinical assessment rather than waiting for the next screening date: bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, persistent unusual or foul-smelling discharge, or persistent pelvic or lower-abdominal pain. These have many non-cancer causes, so there is no need to panic — but they do warrant evaluation (MoHFW/NHM NCD module; WHO).
A Pap or HPV test alone is not enough to diagnose the cause of symptoms. Depending on the findings, examination and sometimes colposcopy, a biopsy or referral may be needed (NCI abnormal-results guidance, 2024; FOGSI 2024).
What do the results mean?
Most screening results are normal. An abnormal result is common and does not mean you have cancer — a biopsy, not a screening result alone, establishes a tissue diagnosis. Follow-up depends on the exact result, your history and your individual risk (NCI abnormal-results guidance, 2024; FOGSI 2024).
| Result | What it means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Normal / negative | No abnormal cells (and HPV negative, if tested) | Continue routine screening at your recommended interval |
| HPV positive, cytology normal | A high-risk HPV type is present, no cell changes seen yet | Follow-up or repeat testing based on genotype and history |
| Abnormal cytology (e.g. ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, AGC) | Cervical cells look different from normal | Repeat HPV/Pap testing, or colposcopy — sometimes with a biopsy |
| Unsatisfactory sample | The laboratory could not interpret the sample adequately | A simple repeat test |
A note on terminology: LSIL and HSIL are cytology (Pap) terms, while CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3 are histology (biopsy) diagnoses — they are not the same thing and should not be equated. A screening result is also not a lifetime clearance: false-positive and false-negative results can occur, which is why regular intervals and prompt symptom evaluation both matter (NCI 2025). If colposcopy or treatment of abnormal cells is advised, Dr. Shweta Agarwal will explain each step and coordinate follow-up with you.
Cost of a Pap smear or HPV test in Chandrapur
The cost depends on whether a Pap smear, an HPV test, or co-testing is done, and whether the quote includes consultation, sample collection, laboratory processing and a result discussion. As market context only, Indian lab-listed prices for cytology commonly fall in a broad band of roughly ₹300–₹2,000, while HPV DNA testing typically costs more; local prices vary widely by provider. When you enquire, it is reasonable to ask exactly what a quoted price includes. To ask about a Pap smear or HPV test appointment in Chandrapur, contact the clinic directly.
HPV vaccine and screening — they work together
HPV vaccination is primary prevention; screening is secondary prevention. The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection, an abnormal Pap result or a cervical lesion, and it does not replace screening, because current vaccines do not cover every oncogenic HPV type (FOGSI 2024; WHO). Vaccinated women should continue age-appropriate cervical screening.
FOGSI's 2024 schedule gives 2 doses at ages 9–14 (at least 6 months apart) and 3 doses at ages 15–26; 3 doses may be considered for some women through 45 after individual counselling. Vaccination is most effective before HPV exposure. It is not recommended during pregnancy — remaining doses are deferred until afterward, and inadvertent vaccination is not a reason for any pregnancy intervention; it can be given during breastfeeding (FOGSI 2024). India-licensed products include Cervavac, Cervarix and Gardasil, with age ranges varying by product. For detail, see HPV vaccination.
Book a screening
Cervical screening is a short, private, preventive check led by Dr. Shweta Agarwal (MBBS, DGO), a female gynaecologist in Chandrapur. To enquire or book:
- Call or WhatsApp: +91 80056 85160
- Ask about a Pap smear or HPV test appointment: contact the clinic