Pap Smears
Ask our expert about what this test detects
About Our Expert
Martin Martino, M.D., is a cancer specialist with Lehigh Valley Health Network's Gynecologic Oncology Specialists.
Practicing Medicine Since
2002
Education
B.A. in Biology and Political Science/History, 1994, Rutgers College, Rutgers University
M.D., 1998, Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine
Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology
University of South Florida, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, 2002-2005
Honors and Awards
Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, Rutgers University, 2006
Berlex Foundation Faculty Development Award, 2005
Loyal Sons/Daughters of Rutgers University, 2004
Rutgers Class of 1931 Leadership Award, 2003
Pfizer Scholarship Award for Outstanding OB/GYN Resident, 2002
Optimistic Futures Leadership Program, 2001
Galloway Fellow, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2000
E.H. Doud Scholarship, Hahnemann School of Medicine, 1998
Distinguished Academic Award-OB/GYN, Hahnemann School of Medicine, 1998
Distinguished Academic Award-Medicine, Hahnemann School of Medicine, 1998
Scaiefe Foundation medical Scholarship, Rutgers School of Alcohol Studies, 1995
Commencement Speaker, Rutgers College, 1993
- I see my doctor and get a Pap smear every year. Am I doing everything I can to detect cancers of the reproductive system?
- What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?
- What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
- You said I’m at higher risk if I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. I can’t change history, so what can I do?
- If it reduces the risk 90 percent, shouldn’t all women consider having their ovaries removed?
- I read about the new vaccine for cervical cancer. Will this vaccine eliminate the need for Pap smears?
Q: I see my doctor and get a Pap smear every year. Am I doing everything I can to detect cancers of the reproductive system?
A: Having regular Pap smears is the best thing you can do to detect cancer of the cervix early. Your Pap smear can find changes in your cervix before they become cancer. Many women stop going to the gynecologist after they have their last child, or after they go through menopause. It’s important to have regular Pap smears at least to age 70.
However, cervical cancer is only one type of gynecologic cancer. Unfortunately, there are no routine screening tests for uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. To protect yourself, make sure you know the symptoms of these cancers, and call your physician immediately if you have them.
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, surgery may be an option to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
Q: What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?
A: The primary symptom is unusual bleeding. The average age of a woman who has uterine cancer is early 50’s. That means you may no longer be menstruating. If your periods have already stopped because of menopause, and you unexpectedly have any bleeding at all -- even if it’s just spotting -- call your physician right away.
If you are still having periods, call your gynecologist if you have:
- Very heavy bleeding
- Clots in menstruation
- Periods lasting over one week
- Spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sex
While these symptoms don’t necessarily mean cancer, you should not ignore them. Don’t wait for your next check-up. Remember, early detection is your best chance.
Q: What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer has symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other health issues. For that reason, most women with ovarian cancer don’t benefit from an early diagnosis. Your best protection is to be aware of the potential symptoms and call your doctor right away if you have them.
If you have any of these symptoms for three weeks and don’t know why, call your gynecologist and say you are concerned about ovarian cancer:
- Prolonged abdominal pain or discomfort
- Persistent bloating, gas, nausea or indigestion
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Changes in bowel habits
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Ongoing fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Q: You said I’m at higher risk if I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. I can’t change history, so what can I do?
A: If you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer on either side of the family, you have an important risk factor for ovarian cancer. You have probably heard of the breast cancer gene. It is also the ovarian cancer gene. You might decide to undergo genetic testing to find out if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
If you carry the gene, you may decide to have your ovaries removed as a preventive measure. This is called a bilateral prophylactic oophorectomy. Research has shown that this operation can reduce your chances of getting ovarian cancer by 90 percent. The reason it isn’t 100 percent effective is that the peritoneum -- the lining of your abdomen -- can sometimes act like ovarian tissue and can develop cancer.
Q: If it reduces the risk 90 percent, shouldn’t all women consider having their ovaries removed?
A: No. There are risks to every surgery. We try to evaluate the risks of surgery versus the potential benefits and tailor them to each individual patient.
Q: I read about the new vaccine for cervical cancer. Will this vaccine eliminate the need for Pap smears?
A: The vaccine is very effective against the strains of HPV (human papilloma virus) that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. But it doesn’t protect against the other 30 percent of cancers. So young girls who are vaccinated today will continue to need Pap smears throughout their lives.
Click here for more information about the cervical cancer vaccine.
This page last updated 12/29/08 09:45 AM
