Cervical cancer can often be prevented when abnormal cervical changes are found and managed early. Dr. Priya Bhati provides specialist cervical cancer screening and evaluation for women in Kochi, including HPV testing, cervical cytology and assessment of abnormal screening results.
Cervical cancer screening helps detect HPV infection and abnormal changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. Depending on your age, previous reports and clinical situation, screening may involve HPV-based testing, Pap smear or further evaluation. Current WHO guidance recommends HPV testing as the preferred primary screening approach for cervical cancer prevention.
Dr. Priya Bhati provides specialist evaluation for women seeking cervical cancer screening in Kochi, including assessment of abnormal Pap smear or HPV results. If a screening result needs further investigation, she can help determine the appropriate next step, which may include closer follow-up or procedures such as colposcopy when clinically required. Preventive oncology and screening are part of her area of expertise.
Cervical screening may involve an HPV test, Pap smear or other follow-up investigations, depending on your age, previous results, medical history and the screening approach being used.
HPV testing looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus associated with cervical cancer. A Pap smear, also called cervical cytology, looks for abnormal changes in cervical cells.
If a screening result is abnormal, further assessment may be recommended. This could include repeat testing, colposcopy, cervical biopsy or other investigations depending on the findings. Amrita's Gynaecologic Oncology division in Kochi lists HPV-based screening, Pap smear testing, colposcopy and cervical biopsy among its preventive and diagnostic services.
You should discuss cervical cancer screening with your doctor based on your age and individual risk factors. The appropriate screening test and interval can vary according to the screening programme and your previous results.
A specialist consultation may be particularly useful if you:
If you already have a screening report, bringing the previous reports to your consultation can help your doctor understand the complete picture rather than looking at one result in isolation.
A positive HPV test does not automatically mean that you have cervical cancer.
HPV is common, and the significance of a positive result depends on factors such as the HPV type detected, other screening findings and your previous results. Current WHO guidance includes HPV genotyping and risk-based approaches to help determine which HPV-positive women need closer assessment or follow-up.
The important thing is not to ignore the result or assume the worst. A specialist can review your report and explain what it means for you and whether further evaluation is needed.
An abnormal Pap smear can have different meanings. Some changes may be minor and may only require follow-up, while other findings may need closer examination or treatment.
The next step depends on the type and severity of the abnormality, your previous screening history and other clinical factors.
Dr. Priya Bhati can review your Pap smear or HPV report and help you understand whether you need repeat screening, colposcopy, biopsy or another form of evaluation.
Cervical screening is not only about performing a test. Knowing what to do with the result is equally important.
When a screening result shows a potentially significant abnormality, consultation with a doctor trained in gynaecologic oncology can provide access to specialist evaluation and appropriate follow-up. Dr. Priya Bhati has an MCh in Gynaecologic Oncology from CMC Vellore and works in the Gynaecologic Oncology division at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. Her listed areas of expertise include preventive gynaecologic oncology.
Her consultation can help you understand:
Screening is one part of cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination is another important preventive measure. Vaccination and screening work together to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, although vaccination does not replace recommended screening. WHO's current cervical cancer prevention guidance continues to emphasise HPV vaccination, high-performance screening and timely management of women found to have precancerous disease.
If you have been putting off cervical screening, have received an HPV-positive report or are unsure what an abnormal Pap smear means, a specialist consultation can help you understand what needs to happen next.
Dr. Priya Bhati provides cervical cancer screening and specialist evaluation in Kochi, including assessment and follow-up of abnormal cervical screening results.
What is cervical cancer screening?
Cervical cancer screening looks for HPV infection or abnormal cervical cell changes that may indicate a risk of cervical cancer or precancerous disease.
Is an HPV-positive result the same as cervical cancer?
No. A positive HPV test does not mean that you have cervical cancer. It indicates that HPV has been detected and may require further assessment depending on the type of HPV and your overall screening result.
Is a Pap smear still used for cervical screening?
Yes. Pap testing may still be used depending on the screening programme, available testing methods and the woman's clinical situation. HPV-based screening is currently the preferred primary screening approach in WHO guidance.
What should I do if my Pap smear is abnormal?
Do not panic or ignore the result. An abnormal Pap smear can have several meanings. A specialist can review the report and determine whether you need repeat testing or further evaluation.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Many cases can be prevented through HPV vaccination, appropriate screening and timely management of precancerous cervical changes. Screening and HPV vaccination are important parts of cervical cancer prevention.
Where can I consult for cervical cancer screening in Kochi?
You can consult Dr. Priya Bhati, Gynaecologic Oncology Specialist in Kochi, for cervical cancer screening, abnormal screening result evaluation and specialist follow-up. Her profile lists preventive gynaecologic oncology among her areas of expertise.
MBBS, M. Ch. (Gynaecologic Oncology), MD (Obs & Gynae)
Senior Consultant - Gynae Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala
Dr. Priya Bhati is a Senior Consultant Gynae Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi. She specialises in the treatment of gynaecological cancers and complex gynaecological conditions, with expertise in cancer surgery, robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery. With years of experience at leading institutions such as CMC Vellore and PGIMER Chandigarh, she brings extensive surgical experience along with a caring and patient-focused approach.
Dr. Priya has completed her M.B.B.S. from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynecology from Goa Medical College, and M.Ch. in Gynaecologic Oncology from Christian Medical College, Vellore. She treats women with different types of gynaecological cancers and also performs complex benign gynaecological surgeries and advanced procedures such as CRS and HIPEC.
She believes that every patient deserves to understand her condition and treatment clearly. Along with treating gynaecological cancers, Dr. Priya also focuses on prevention and early detection, including HPV vaccination and preventive gynaecologic care. Her goal is to provide personalised treatment while making patients and their families feel informed, comfortable and supported throughout their care.
I was very scared when I came to know about my cancer. Dr. Priya Bhati explained everything clearly and told me what we should do next. I am really thankful for her support.
Dr. Bhati is very patient and listens to all your doubts. She explained my reports in simple words and did not make me feel rushed. I felt much better after talking to her.
We met Dr. Priya Bhati for my mother’s treatment. She explained the surgery properly and answered all our questions. We felt that she really understood our concerns.
I was worried about having surgery, but Dr. Bhati explained the procedure and what to expect. She was very calm and supportive. I am happy that we consulted her.
Dr. Bhati gave us enough time during the consultation and explained the treatment options clearly. She also listened to what we wanted to know. Very good doctor and a very positive experience.
After my diagnosis, I was confused about what to do next. Dr. Bhati went through my reports and explained everything step by step. Her guidance gave me confidence to start my treatment.