What did George Papanicolaou discover?

George Nicholas Papanicolaou was a pioneer in elucidating the physiology and cytologic characteristics of the female reproductive system. He is best known for creating the Papanicolaou test, commonly known as the Pap smear, which revolutionised the early detection of cervical cancer.

What nationality is Papanicolaou?

American
Greek
Georgios Papanikolaou/Nationality

What causes unusual Pap smear?

Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.

Who invented the smear test?

Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to the Greek medical pioneer Georgios Papanikolaou, who invented the smear test to detect early signs of cervical and uterine cancer. Mr Papanikolaou was born in the Greek costal town of Kymi on this day in 1883.

Who was pap?

Παπανικολάου [papanikoˈlau]; 13 May 1883 – 19 February 1962) was a Greek physician who was a pioneer in cytopathology and early cancer detection, and inventor of the “Pap smear”….

Where did Pap smear get its name?

A Pap smear or Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It is named after Georgios Papanikolaou, the doctor who determined its use in detecting early signs that could lead to cervical cancer.

Why is it called Papanicolaou?

It is named after Georgios Papanikolaou, the doctor who determined its use in detecting early signs that could lead to cervical cancer. It is one form of cervical cancer screening.

What is the meaning of Papanicolaou?

(PA-puh-NIH-koh-low…) A procedure in which a small brush or spatula is used to gently remove cells from the cervix so they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer.

Can stress cause abnormal Pap smear?

But she noted that many researchers speculate that stress may somehow be involved in cervical cancer because stressful times in women’s lives can often be associated with abnormal Pap smear results.

Should I be worried about an abnormal Pap smear?

Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it’s important to follow up to make sure.

Why is it called smear test?

A cervical screening test is much the same thing as what used to be known as a ‘smear test. ‘ It was called that because of the fact that (until recently) some cells from a woman’s cervix were smeared across a glass slide, so that they could be examined under a microscope.

Did the old pap smear test for HPV?

While the old Pap test could detect abnormal cell changes, the Cervical Screening Test will detect the persistent HPV infection that causes the abnormal cell changes, prior to the development of cancer. The procedure for collecting the sample for HPV testing is the same as the procedure for having a Pap smear.