Women’s Health
Gynecological exams are extremely important, as we are able to screen for cervical cancer, HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer), many infections (including sexually transmitted diseases) and many other problems and treat them early before any problems arise.
The Pap smear or “Papanikolaou” was invented in the early 1900s by Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou. It is a very important test as it can check for early changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer if not treated in a timely manner.
Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called HPV, when this virus attacks the cervical cells subjecting them to harmful changes. Early changes in the cervix are known as low grade squamous intraepitheal lesion (LGSIL), where later changes are known as high grade squamous epithelial lesion (HGSIL). It takes several years from the time these changes begin to happen until the development of cervical cancer. This is why early detection with a pap smear is so important. We use the ThinPrep Pap – the latest generation of this particular test.
We serve patients who live in Alhambra, Altadena, Atwater, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Encino, Glendale, Highland Park, Hollywood, La Canada, La Crescenta, Los Angeles, Monterey Hills, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake.