Pre-cancerous cells in a smear test

[QueenEagle]

If you have been told that you has pre-cancerous cells, is it usual for them to disappear the next time you have a smear? How likely is it they will reappear?

Also, if you carry HPV, is this something you can pass on to a sexual partner and is it true it means you are more likely to develop cervical cancer ata later date?

I don't know about that - I don't have any warts that I know of!

But QE having had precancerous cells AND +ve HPV test I would have thought you would get regular checks - do you?

Ah expat that answers my query too, thanks!

I'm unsure whether I am tested for HPV as well. How would I know? My last smear was 2 years ago and I am not due another until 2008 so obviously I am not considered high risk, which is comforting.

Only certain strains of HPV are associated with cervical cancer, but those certain strains are the cause of cervical cancer. This is why the new proposed vaccine will be so fantastic. I hope my daughter can have it.
Precancerous cells can go back to normal. Two things that seem to help (in studies) are a/giving up smoking if you do smoke, and eating an antioxidant-rich diet and/or taking an antioxidant-rich vitamin supplement.

I had smears every 2 years I think until I had 2 consecutive clear smears so have now been put back to 5 yearly check ups.

and genital warts

I did find the colposcopy fascinating - looking at your own cervix is weird. I mean I'd rather not be having it of course but it was fascinating nevertheless - and not particularly uncomfortable either.

No offense, but if someone is known to have had pre cancerous cells on their cervix and their colpo results show they have HPV, I wouldn't think it a good idea to go 4 years w/no smear test.

'High risk' is a relative term for someone who is KNOWN to have a strain of HPV that causes cervical cell abnormalities, or who has been treated for them in the past.

Also my testing is and LBC one (Liquid based cytology) which is being phased in for everyone as it is a more reliant test.

I'm hopeful, too, aloha! My biopsy showed strains 30 and 45. Here's hoping it did someone some good!

I agree expat

I have no idea what strains mine are - can I find out?

I think my discomfort (and disgust) was due to the fact i had a very unfriendly male doc doing it, and about 6 students peering in between my legs also.

Thank you expat, i now understand!

btw i have had annual smears all the time, i just tell the nurse after each one that i have to have them annually, so she does them!

I assumed the smear tested for hpv, and thats how they found mine in the first place. (or was that in the colposcopy? hmm)

The fact I had HPV was detected from the smear itself. I have never had or been advised to have any other treatment at all depsite having a pre-cancerous result together with the HPV.

Have I (mis)understood that you meant I should have more frequent checks, expat and JT?

I asked to find out when I signed off my cell sample after the colpo. I found out the strains when they got the result and scheduled my loop excision procedure.

Ah! Hattie - I had two very nice nurses doing mine

I didn't know I was HPV +ve until I went on the trial

expat - I didn't need a biopsy so that's probably why - can they say from the smear result I wonder?

I seem to remember the nurse who gave me my dodgy result saying that many women are actually HPV positive but would never be made aware of it.

that's true QE.

You're right you probably wouldn't get more frequent tests at the present. Maybe when the Artistic Study if finalised and the link proven things will change.

I sort of wander, if all male docs i see are so unfriendly and uncommunicative because they are terrified of being accused of abuse/assault??

Sorry for thinking that out loud

And also, doesn't all our different experiences and for some of us (complete lack of understanding ) demonstrate the varied treatment given?

I asked the same questions at each and every appt, to a multitude of staff and got such conflicting answers i just gave up! In fact i then went to see a private doc who did my final colposcopy as i couldn't bear the long waits for appts with no understanding at the end of them.

I actually thought 'biopsy' was something different to colposcopy! so i tell people i havn't had a biopsy.

colposcopy and biopsy are different (as I understand it anyway) the colposcope is the camera and if necessary I biopsy is taken

thx joolstoo! what would i do without mumsnet!