Annual Screening
“With advanced genetic testing, our practice has evolved from preventive medicine to PREDICTUVE medicine!”
-- Dr. Mac
During an "annual exam" your gynecological health will be discussed with Dr. McLaughlin.
A thorough history will be taken – concentrating on changes in your symptoms and any specific concerns. A complete physical will be performed to detect any new abnormalities and a pap smear will be completed.
Additional testing may be ordered including: mammography, bone density scan, ultrasound, hemocult and lab tests (if indicated).
Prescriptions are refilled or changed, and your chart will be updated so telephone inquiries can be answered accurately during the ensuing year.
Pap smear
Pap smear testing is a screening tool done yearly by Dr. McLaughlin to help detect changes in the cells of the cervix and vagina. During your annual pap smear, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina are obtained and sent to the laboratory. Your pap smear will automatically be screened for the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Currently there are over 100 different strains of HPV. High-risk HPV (types 16, 18, 31 and 45) can cause a more rapid progression of cellular changes which can progress to cervical, vaginal and vulva cancer, if not treated. Pap smears may also detect cell changes in the cervix and vagina resulting from infections caused by bacteria or yeast.
Colposcopy
If your pap results are abnormal, Dr. McLaughlin most often recommends further investigation which may include a colposcopy and possible biopsies to determine the cause and cellular changes.
A colposcopy, is a minor procedure done in our office, similar to a pap smear, using a lighted microscope to look at the vagina, cervix and vulva. A biopsy includes taking a small sample of abnormal tissue which is sent to the lab for further evaluation.
Ultrasound
High-definition vaginal ultrasounds may be conducted in our office at the time of your exam to detect abnormal thickening of the uterine lining, polyps, polycystic ovaries, ovarian cysts and fibroids. With the use of high frequency sound waves, images can then be visualized on the ultrasound monitor for immediate analysis and interpretation.
Dr. McLaughlin and ALL Staff- I am unsure where to begin on thanking your for all you have done for us. You have an amazing office full of kind and compassionate people. We would be lost if it wasn’t for your office. To have full confidence and emotional support in one place has been amazing. Again, thank you for all of your kindness and all the times we were greeted at the door, down to the pleasant help with insurance concerns. We LOVE your office and will gladly refer you to anyone we know!
Bobby and Kelly
