Nervous.. HPV and abnormal cells

[ellie09]

Hi all

I went for my regular smear screening test, and my results came back as HPV positive and abnormal cells. I am now being referred for a coloposcopy. Ive had the HPV vaccine.

Im slightly freaking, as although I havent had bleeding, I have had sharp pains now again inside, and a "dragging" sensation at times. The nurse at the test did check my coil, and it was fine but I needed an unusually small speculum than usual for some reason?

My mum had to have treatment for this years ago, and cancer runs in my family (although not cervical)

Has anyone been through similar who can put my mind at ease?

I haven’t experienced this myself but three of my close friends (all aged in their early 30s, all received the HPV vaccine as teens) have tested HPV positive in smear tests, and 2 have had abnormal cells requiring colposcopy and subsequent treatment. The ones with abnormal cells now have more frequent smears (yearly I think) to monitor the situation but none of them have gone on to develop cancer.

Remember that this is exactly what smears were designed for - catching things before they become something more serious. Also, cancers caused by HPV are not genetic, so the fact that cancer runs in your family is not relevant in this case. Essentially, I’m saying try not to worry!

I have had this, abnormal smear with HPV. I was called for a colposcopy and showed CIN 2 cell charges. This can be a pre cancerous sign. Options were to watch and wait or laser procedure. I am in the cancer field and felt secure to watch and wait as your body can get rid of those cells and return to normal. I did my research with this.

In most instances it’s slow growing and if progressed in a year I would have gotten the laser procedure. I had yearly colposcopy for 5 years. I was lucky body healed itself within 2 years. But if it hadn’t I would have had treatment.

smears are there to check and in most cases only now check for hpv. Most of the population have hpv. It’s only certain ones that can go on to cause cancer. But you need to speak to a professional to take the decision you are comfortable with. You need to ask questions and follow their advice. I have had friends who had the same results as me but had treatment as they didn’t feel happy to wait.

ask questions and go for further tests and take the route you feel comfortable with after advice.

A smear around 10 years ago showed abnormal cells. I had the colposcopy and had CIN 3 cells. These were removed and I had yearly smears after to keep an eye. The removal too was completely fine. I was quite ill at the time with an other issue so never really took it all in but thankfully so far no issues and I ensure I get a smear when called. Wishing you luck