Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Nigerian women — and nearly 100% preventable with regular screening. We offer both Pap smear cytology and VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) in a private, female-friendly environment in Lagos.
Pap smear and VIA are complementary methods. VIA gives an immediate result; Pap cytology provides a detailed cellular analysis. Both are available at our Lagos laboratory for Lagos women across all areas.
Cervical cells are collected during a speculum examination and sent to our cytology laboratory for microscopic analysis. Results are reported using the Bethesda system: NILM (normal), ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, or frank malignancy. Results available in 3–5 days — appropriate for routine Lagos screening.
A simple, low-cost screening method that gives immediate results. Acetic acid (3–5%) is applied to the cervix — pre-cancerous areas turn white (acetowhite). The clinician can immediately identify women who need treatment. WHO recommends VIA as a primary screening method in low-resource settings across Nigeria. Same-day result for Lagos patients.
All Lagos women 21–65 who are sexually active need regular cervical screening. Cervical cancer has a 15–20 year progression from HPV infection to frank cancer — early detection at the pre-invasive stage (LSIL/HSIL) allows simple treatment. Most Lagos women develop cancer because they never screened, not because screening failed.
Schedule your appointment when you are not menstruating — ideally 10–20 days after the start of your last period. Blood interferes with cervical cell interpretation. Lagos women who are post-menopausal may attend at any time — no timing restriction.
Avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, and intravaginal preparations (creams, pessaries) for 48 hours before your screening. These deposit material on the cervix that can obscure cellular detail, leading to an unsatisfactory (inadequate) sample that needs to be repeated.
Share your previous Pap smear history if available — particularly any prior abnormal results or treatment (LEEP, cryotherapy). Tell us about HIV status, hormonal contraception, and any new vaginal symptoms. This context enables accurate interpretation of your Lagos cervical screening result.
Our Pap smear reports use the international Bethesda classification — the standard expected by Lagos gynaecologists and colposcopists. Not just "normal/abnormal" but a clinically specific category.
Cervical screening is performed by a female clinician in a private room. Lagos women should never feel uncomfortable seeking this essential preventive test — our environment is designed specifically for your comfort.
For Lagos women who need an immediate answer or cannot wait 3–5 days for cytology, VIA gives a clinically actionable result before you leave the clinic — enabling same-day treatment planning.
52 Sholanke Street, Akoka — accessible from Lagos Island, Lekki, Yaba, and Ikeja. Book via WhatsApp to avoid waiting. Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 5 PM.
"I had never had a Pap smear in Lagos until age 42. Mascot's female clinician made the whole process easy and non-threatening. My result came back LSIL — caught early, treated successfully."
Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.
Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays