Abnormal cervix - advise please

[FoghornLeghorn]

Hoping you may be able to give me some good stories or enlighten me with what to expect.

My SIL was referred to a gynae as she'd been experiencing bleeding after intercourse. At her apt her consultant said she had come abnormal cells, they took some swabs to test and said they would need to carry out a cervical scan (although they didn't advise what the scan was for).

She has an apt to go in for her scan next week and has now received a letter saying that having now received the results to the swabs back she now needs to have a cervical biopsy which she has an apt for now.

She is terrified - understandably - I would be concerned too. I have told her not to google anything as it will just make things worse and to try and not jump to conclusions before having these further tests and speaking to her consultant - easy for me to say I know.

I am worried :( I have googled. What's concerning me is how quickly this has all turned around, it'll be 2 weeks from her going to first apt to having scan and biopsy - I know this is a good thing that they are taking it seriously but I'm worrying they 'know something' already. Plus, having googled, it seems a bit odd that they are doing a scan and a biopsy, from what I've read its usually just a biopsy if they suspect cancer or dysplasia.

Anyway, I'm waffling - has anyone else been through something similar and everything has been fine ? Equally, has anyone been through the same and it's not been fine ?

shameless bump

And again

Is it possible for her to phone the gynae and ask for some more information...usually the secretary or like will be quite understanding if she explains her anxieties..also will help her to understand exactly waht procedures she will be having...

Having been through the mill on things like this I have found it vastly better to ask the questions rather than turning up for the procedures - where she may not see her gynae at all...

HTH

Just a quick note to say I will come back and answer later this evening. At work so not enough time.

Useful websites are the bsccp.org and the NHS CSP site and Jo's trust. Sorry I'm on iPod and can't do links. If you search on my user name you'll also see loads if info I've posted re abnormal results.

Usually it's only a very small chance that is it cancer. Even if it is cancer then it is very treatable. Your SIL is getting good care because they're doing thorough investigation; although I appreciate it is worried for her and the family.

Hi

As someone who went through this (and about to go through it again) the scan could be just looking for polyps / general healthiess plus be a guide to where take the biopsy from (maybe more than one area but they tend to numb the area first)

Does that make sense?

Thanks all.

Inmypants - I think SIL would rather not know at the moment if that makes sense, I think she'd rather wait until someone tells her results that her actively question things.

Bela I will look at those links, thank you.

Mrspear - thanks for that, I really couldn't understand why they would be doing the scan but it does make sense for them to need to see the area before the biospy

SIL has 4 DC's so she is understandably concerned - I harped on at her about not googling, wish i'd listened to my own advice now !

It may be helpful for your SIL to have someone go with her to the next appt as she probably won't be able to take everything in.
If she does decide to ask questions, its a good idea to write them down beforehand.

The procedures they're doing are fairly standard for investigating, it is obviously quite unnerving for all concerned.

Jo's trust forum has a 'waiting room' for those undergoing investigation. It is aimed primarily at women with cervical cancer and therefore your SIL may not feel comfortable with it. There are loads of women on there with CIN (pre-cancerous changes) and women whose investigations show they haven't got an abnormality.

Thanks Bela - I will have a look at that forum.

SIL's DH is going with her but tbh he prob wont ask any questions either - they are both very much head in the sand types. Which there's nothing wrong with, I'm just someone who would rather know straight.