Letter regarding colposcopy- can someone explain what this is actually saying?

[AngeloMysterioso]

Posted here for traffic, sorry!

I had a colposcopy a few weeks ago (my second, had to have one last July after my smear) and have just been sent a copy of the letter that has been sent to my GP. Only thing is, me not being a medical professional and all, I don’t really understand a word of it.

The letter reads- “your patient above was referred to the colposcopy service with an index smear showing moderate dyskaryosis. Initial biopsy in July of last year confirmed the presence of CIN1.”

Then about the recent one- “Colposcopic examination was carried out, revealing a moderately dense aceto-white area with some punctuation, but no evidence of any invasion.”

Can anyone translate all that for me?

The recent colposcopy was carried out when I was 13 weeks pregnant, and I have to go back for another when I’m round 32 weeks. Can’t say I’m too thrilled about it!

Was your Pap smear abnormal? It doesn't sound like the test revealed anything concerning, but do follow up with the doctor who ordered.

Good luck with the pregnancy.

The pap smear showed moderate dyskaryosis... whatever the fuck that means!

FROM: www.bsccp.org.uk/women/frequently-asked-questions/

What does CIN mean?
Pre-cancerous changes of the outer (squamous) cells of the cervix are those that have the potential to turn into cancer if left untreated for some time. In the cervix these changes are called ‘Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia’ or CIN for short. This rather long term means that the changes are confined to the outermost surface of the cervix and there has been no spread of disease.

There are different grades of CIN according to how severe the changes are, from CIN1 (minor change) to CIN3 (the most severe change). The risk of developing cancer is related to the grade of CIN. We know that most cases of CIN1 will go back to normal without any treatment. The risk of CIN1 developing into cancer is very small.

The 'aceto-white area' refers to the vinegar (acetic acid) test. Abnormal areas show up white. I remember smelling very vinegary after a colposcopy!