Pap Test

A pap test is a preventive screening that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Patients who are 21 or older should have a pap test.

A pap test can detect dysplasia and certain forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Dysplasia is precancerous cells of mild, moderate or severe degrees and is typically caused by the HPV virus. These cells do not usually proceed to cancer but do need to be treated and monitored with colposcopy (a microscopic look at the cervix, vagina and vulva) and pap tests. Some dysplasia will go away on its own and some needs to be removed.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Symptoms associated with HPV include itching, irritation or genital warts, although many women have no symptoms. There are many types of HPV and most of the time the body can clear the virus; however, some forms of HPV can cause cells to become precancerous or cancerous. Certain forms of HPV can be linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, anus and penis.

Mammograms

We recommend annual mammograms for women ages 40 and older. If you have a family history of breast cancer, we may recommend you begin mammograms earlier. We will discuss your family history with you to determine an appropriate age at which to begin having regular mammograms.

We do not perform mammograms at the Clinic Sofia office, but we will refer you to a certified clinic.

Reports from the US Preventive Task Force suggested women wait longer past age 40 for screening mammograms. Clinic Sofia does not support this recommendation. Approximately 75% of new breast cancer diagnoses have no family history so it is difficult to decide who should be screened earlier. Therefore, we continue to recommend annual mammogram screenings begin at age 40 for all women.

Essure

Essure is a permanent birth control procedure. It consists of placing a small coil into the fallopian tubes. Over time, your body will form a natural barrier around the coils, which prevents sperm from reaching the eggs. This procedure can be performed in the Clinic Sofia office.

LEEP procedure

LEEP procedures are performed in the Clinic Sofia office. This procedure involves using a LEEP, or wire loop connected to cautery, to remove advanced dysplasia (abnormal cells) on the cervix. If left untreated, advanced dysplasia could progress into cancer of the cervix.

Colonoscopy

Unless there is a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, we recommend screening colonoscopies starting at age 50. This procedure is performed after a bowel prep and with sedation.

We do not perform colonoscopies at Clinic Sofia, but we will refer you to a certified clinic.

Labs

Our lab personnel will draw and label your blood on site. Labs are either processed at Clinic Sofia or sent to an outside facility.