V Worried about 2nd CIN3 smear in 6 months - any thoughts?

[Bloomsbury]

Hi - 6 months ago an abnormal smear picked up CIN1/CIN2 in my cervix and I had a colposcopy/loop excision (local anaesthetic) as treatment. The biopsy showed CIN3.

6 months on I went for a follow-up check but they said I wasn't 'pristine' and spotted a small spot from which they took a smear. This has now shown CIN3 and I'm to go vack for colposcopy and maybe treated on the day (with, I assume, another loop excision).

This all comes on top of cervical diathermy about 5 years ago for cervical erosion.

I am very worried about this now - worried that more 'work' will leave scarring and I may be unable to carry a pregnancy full term, and of course worried that this might be the big C, since they've already 'treated' me once, obviously unsuccessfully.

Sorry to ramble - just wondered if anyone has any thoughts on this or experience of the same thing. Thanks.

[RedZuleika]

Sorry to hear this. I had a loop excision for CIN2 ten years ago. I don't know about the scarring, but perhaps they are suggesting that they missed a bit the first time, rather than that it's come back? Also - my gynaecologist at the time was very keen to stress that the cervical changes weren't cancer, just that if they were left, in twenty years or so, they might turn into cancer. When you have your appointment, can you go with a list of questions relating to your concerns, to ask before they start treating you?

[expatinscotland]

I'm sorry to read this, Bloomsbury. I also had a loop excision for CIN2 a few years ago. RedZ's theory is plausible, perhaps this is a missed spot. Cervical cell abnormalities do tend to be slow-growing.

Have you discussed your concerns w/your consultant? If you haven't, I'd suggest making an appointment. As far as I know, it's the cone biopsy - where the abnormal cells or cancer-in-situ have to be removed from the endocervical canal (the bit that sperm must cross to enter the uterus) - that may cause future problems with conception and pregnancy. This is why the actress Brooke Shields, for example, needed assisted reproduction in order to conceive. This is not true for everyone, though, and that's why it's best to discuss your concerns w/your gynaecologist.

It is VERY scary, but loop and cone biopsy are very, very effective at treating CIN and even cancer in-situ.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

[Bloomsbury]

Thanks for coming back to me. Trouble is I go to an NHS colposcopy clinic at the EGA, London, so am never guaranteed the same person - I have no actual consultant who is following my case.