Smear test abnormal - help me stop panicking

[AnythingConsidered]

Last week (Friday) I had a scheduled smear test. My mum had a full hysterectomy when she was early 40's following a smear test, so I always make sure I never miss one.

Today I've have had a voicemail message from the local hospital advising that the smear test has "come back abnormal" & I "need to be booked in asap for treatment".

The voicemail said the earliest appointment they can book me in for is the 2nd November.

I'm normally balanced about this type of scenario but, despite telling myself it's gonna be fine, they have called me in to check/find out more, it doesn't mean anything horrific, and NHS website says this is really common and doesn't mean cancer, I can't help but panic.

Maybe it's because it was a voicemail so I couldn't ask questions (& they're now closed until 9am), or cos they contacted me so quickly, or that I don't know what "treatment" means, or that I have to go to the Hospital instead of the GP... But I just can't be sensible/reasonable/rationale. I'm really panicking.

Please, tell me your stories of abnormal cells, the treatment you had after it was identified and that I'm worrying needlessly - something to get me through until I can call back tomorrow am.

If it matter, I'm 38 years old, generally fit and well and had 1 child 13 years ago.

Op I had this back in November. A few abnormal cells. Had a colposcopy to be on the safe side - which was quicker and easier than a smear, and will have a smear soon.

I understand this is very common and very easy to treat, so try not to panic others will be along soon to tell you the same

I had a borderline one some years ago and it was fine when I went back 6 months later. One of my friends had a Grade 3 abnormality, had laser treatment and is completely fine now. Sending a hand hold.

I had a smear 6 months after DS1 (also 13) and had to have colposcopy for dyskaryosis. The treatment was uncomfortable rather than painful - a little like period cramps, and the rest for a few days afterwards was lovely (hello bed rest and box sets!).

A few months after that I had another smear to ensure the cells were all gone, unfortunately they hadn't got them all so off I went for another go and this time they'd done a perfect job. There's still scarring on my cervix - each time I attend a smear the nurse lets me know it's still there (I can't reach to pop bio oil on it tbh) but it didn't stop me conceiving DS2 8 years ago and now each smear comes back entirely perfect.

Our local Trust will give me smears every year for the rest of my life (some only do 7/10 years) and each one is as simple as the previous.

I know just how it feels to have that call and feel your stomach fall through the floor, but it really will be fine. It will. You'll have the treatment, a few days off your feet and be back up and about sooner than you'd think.

If you're stressing and worrying keep on talking here and working through your worries; festering by yourself isn't going to help you at all. Come here for a handhold any time.

I’ve had that phone call.

Lots of smears come back abnormal and it’s usually easily treated with a colposcopy or removing the abnormal cells. Try not to worry.

I had CIN 2/3 changes and (delightfully) they cut the abnormal cells out. No pain though and zero further issues other than regular smears for 10 years (which have all been completely clear).

Thank you everyone. It's really helped.

I know everything you are all saying is true makes sense, is backed up by all the official and unofficial websites - I checked it out before posting - but just couldn't think about it logically. Much calmer now.

My dad died after a long 5 year battle with cancer 3 years ago, and with mum's history, I guess it just all bubbled up. I will call tomorrow, get booked in for the 2nd and then try hard not to catastrophise what's going on.

Thank you

Sorry to hear about your family history, that must raise your anxiety levels.

Meant to say in my previous post, I got a phone call from my GP a few days after my smear saying she was referring me for urgent treatment at the hospital. There’s nothing sinister about the fact it’s at a hospital, unless it’s just monitoring, that’s where they treat you.

I also shouldn’t have told you not to worry. It’s natural to worry, but this sounds routine.

I had a letter saying mild abnormalities had been identified at my smear test and had a referral to my local hospital for a colposcopy. I was panicking when I first got the letter and did a lot of research.

At the colposcopy I sat in a chair with stirrups, the colposcopist inserted a speculum then looked at my cervix. At this point there was nothing else inserted and my cervix was viewed from outside (if this makes sense)? A solution was wiped onto the cervix with a swab and the colposcopist looked to see what effect this had. It wasn’t painful at all.

The colposcopist decided that the changes were more severe than anticipated so offered to remove the dodgy cells there and then. I had a local anaesthetic and the cells were removed with an electrified loop. It didn’t hurt at all and afterwards I just had mild cramping.

My last two smears have come back ‘normal’

Easier said than done but please try not to panic. Feel free to PM me if there’s anything you want to ask.

A long time ago I had an "abnormal" smear, I had a colposcopy and all is well. Hope this settles your mind.

Hi
A result letter giving you the result and a leaflet explaining investigation and treatment should be on its way. In theory your GP should be aware of the result so you could give them a ring tomorrow to go through the result and what it means.
Only a very small % of results are suggestive of possible cancer. All women with results of moderate dyskaryosis and above have to be seen in two weeks, so sometimes if the clinic schedule is already quite full they will try to let women know asap to get them booked into the free slots.
If you haven't already found it then have a look at the section of the colposcopists' site for women www.bsccp.org.uk/women/

Hope this helps and you get more information tomorrow.

I had loop diathermy 4 weeks ago for abnormal cells. It was less traumatic than a dentist visit and despite being warned about discharge, I had no problems at all.

With you, they've caught it and will treat it. There are loads of treatments available.

Hope you get an answer early tomorrow. X

I had an abnormal smear 24 years ago, which showed CIN3. I had the cells removed with LEEP treatment.

I've since had three children, many normal smears, and no further recurrence of the problems.

Around that time several of my friends also had abnormal smears and were treated. All are alive and well. No one has had cancer.

I know this is all just anecdotal but hopefully it's a bit reassuring.

Thank you all so much.
Bloody love this site!

I was 22. Smear came back abnormal. Went for a colposcopy and they took a biopsy (don’t be stupid like me, get the local anaesthetic). Came back as CIN 1. Every follow up I had was clear.

I had abnormal cells found when I was pregnant with dd2 and the hospital were perfectly happy to carry out the colposcopy, even though I was five months gone. The worst bit I found was the anaesthetic, I’ve never had such a painful injection in such a sensitive place!

Never had them since and that was nine years ago. You’ll be fine.

Same as the women above, had abnormalities, had treatment, an totally fine now.

The fact that you have have had regular smears is reassuring, as it wouldn't have had much chance to become serious. I m no doctor but that is what I was told.

I'm in similar boat to you. I had a clear smear last year but have had unexplained bleeding and pain that gp investigated and has seen changes on cervix. She knows I'm a panicker so told me not to get too worried but she's referred me to hospital within 2 weeks. I've a appointment on 31st and am trying desperately to ignore it as much as possible as I'm such a wimp I'd happily not go but know I need to.

So, I had an appointment with the GP today for an unrelated issue and, as I was there, asked about the smear results.

He printed off the result report from and then talked me through it:

• adequate cell count. TZ cells present = good!

• smear contains dyskaryotic glandular cells of endocervical origin = no idea!

• Appearances are suggestive of endocervical glandular neoplasia. Either CGIN or adenocarcinoma = pre cancerous GLANDULAR cells or cancerous cells

GP was very good. Was honest and upfront about it. Said he hadn't see CGIN or adenocarcinoma for a long time and coupled with other symptons:

• bleeding after sex (I had put down to vigorous and active sex, which is common for us)

• pain during sex (I had put down to vigorous and active sex life (just to confirm, husband always stops if this happens))

• increased urination (which I put down to medication)

It is serious (the glandular part makes it bad) but fully treatable and been caught early. He's sent me for a referral for a scan, though advised that the Dr who completes my colopscopy may suggest a CT scan instead, but said that this will help speed up the process.

He did diagrams, was clear that it most likely WON'T be cancerous but has a very strong chance to become so if not treated and talked through the treatment options... but the fact I've never missed a smear is a good thing.

Feeling okay. Waiting for daughter to disappear so I can tell husband. Clearly have to wait and see until next Friday but he advised I am likely to need to loop treatment on the day too.

So freakin glad I had that appointment!

The endocervical cells are ones from the canal, rather than the outer cervix. I presume the GP has told colposcopy that he's made a referral for a scan? Colposcopy probably will offer LLETZ (loop) at your appointment. I suggest you take a pad and it might be helpful if someone can give you a lift home afterwards.
Glad the appointment was helpful.
There's more information about CGIN here

@Bella, yes he has notified then about booking a scan. Also told me to make sure I tell them at the appointment too, so there isn't a double appointment and/or the scan gets cancelled if they schedule a CT scan after the colopscopy.

Thank you for the link and practical tips. Just have to wait and see now.

@Confused, it's only been a couple of days for me and the waiting is terrible. I've poured over all the leaflets, the Internet and today's GP appointment, but it seems that early catch is key and we've both had that.

I hope everything goes well on the 31st & all the stories from the PP's have the same outcome for us. Mine will only be a couple of days behind yours, but I promise to come back!

Glad your GP was helpful op and that there’s a plan in place.

Bela - you sound like you know what you’re talking about which is really helpful as everyone else just has personal experience to go by.