It is certainly known to everyone the PAP TEST that has saved MILLIONS of lives, and it is very likely that it is also known that it is a Greek innovation since it bears the name of the famous Greek doctor George Papanikolaou, from whom it was first applied!

So let's learn a few things about the pioneer inventor of this examination and how the PAP Test method works!

George Papanikolaou, you say (1883-1962), was a very gifted boy who was born in Evia and graduated in 1904 from the Medical School of the University of Athens! Then, he went to Germany to continue his studies and chose the field of biology. He also studied philosophy but biology was the one that ultimately won him over!

In 1913, George ended up in America with his wife where they were struggling in the beginning and worked in a commercial store! However, with his incredible talent, Papanikolaou's talent was soon recognized and he eventually earned a position at Cornell University in New York with a lot of effort!

In the 1920s, Papanikolaou applied for the first time a cytological method in women for the diagnosis of cervical cancer, something that was unheard of until then!

Papanikolaou continued his research and published his findings in 1943, which attracted the interest of the medical community worldwide and the method began to be applied in various hospitals!

In this way, the pioneering George Papanikolaou expanded the horizons of medicine in cancer research! And in his honor, his method was named "Papanicolaou Test", which is still used worldwide today!

WHAT IS THE PAP TEST EXACTLY?

The PAP Test is a short and economical examination used for the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Through a usually painless procedure, cells are taken from the vaginal area, as well as from the external surface and the internal area of the cervix.

After the collection of the cytological material, the cells are then examined under a microscope for any abnormalities or lesions that can develop into cancer. In the case that precancerous changes are detected, additional procedures are followed, and if necessary, the necessary interventions are performed to prevent the development of cancer in the area!

The same method can be used to diagnose microbial infections, however, the test is not designed for this. Also, an individual undergoing a PAP Test may need to be referred for an HPV test (human papillomavirus) if the presence of the virus is detected!