abnormal smear results showing mild dyskaryosis..... any info please?

[fabanflabby]

Had a letter this morning from the doctor to say I have had an abnormal smear test result showing I have mild dyskaryosis. However they dont want to see me again for another test until December?

Has anyone out there heard of this or had the same result?

Any advice or info would be most welcome!

Can't remember what it was called (was 10 years ago) but I had a recall then needed treatment via colposcopy (was mildly uncomfortable but no big deal). Had Same issue then repeat treatment about a year later but been clear ever since.

If asking to repeat must need more clarity as all sorts of factors can affect result

I received a letter on Thursday telling me the same - however my letter says not to attend for a repeat test until March 2012!!!! Alternate between being rational and logical about it and then completely irrational and illogical!!!

Not that this helps you but wanted to let you know you're not alone!

Thanks x
I will call the doc's on monday and just get clarification! I wish they had at least put an information leaflet in with the letter, just to allay any fears!

Try this link - this is the leaflet that was sent with my results

www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/publications/

Try not to worry - easier said than done, I know.

Thank you so much friendlymum67, so kind of you to take the time to link the site for me.

I will read after x factor. Im sure Gary Barlow will take my mind of thinking about it for a while!
xx

Hi faban. Two years ago I had an abnormal smear and a repeat six months later that showed severe dyskaryosis, I was referred to colposcopy (where they look up your fanjo with a microscope & use vinegar to visualise the changed area on your cervix) which was like an extended smear & smelt of fish & chips. I had a large area of abnormality on my cervix which was removed under GA about a month later.

So, mild dyskaryosis may revert to normal which is why they will see you in a few months, if it's still there or has worsened to severe, they may want to see you in colposcopy (at hospital with a gynae surgeon) if it's the same they may just want to monitor you with 6 monthly smears.

Be reassured that now you are in the system, they will be in touch with you when you need to be seen. I have six monthly smears which I absolutely detest beyond what I can convey on here in type. However, I feel privileged that I am in a program whereby I have access to care like this, that uses an evidence base to decide when tests are needed and will monitor closely any changes I need to be concerned about.

Please pm me if you have any questions, it is a scary time. I was phoned by a doctor on Xmas eve to tell me my results. Did that scare me? You bet it did!!

Hi
There's some useful info here which is a site by the colposcopists' association.
As grumpy says it is possible for the changes to go away by themselves (think of it like the body's immune system dealing with a cold - it just takes a bit longer). So this why you're asked to wait for 6 months and then go back for a check up.
Most areas in England now have the result letters sent by a central agency for each PCT (they also send the invite letters out too), so if your GP is one who has chosen to send their own letters, they are supposed to put the national leaflets in too. Might be worth asking them if they forgot yours.

Please try not to worry but do go back in 6 months for your follow up.

Thank you Grumpy and Bela. I feel must calmer now after reading your posts and all the attached information on here.

Grumpy - glad all is well now and can't believe they called you on Christmas eve with results!

Bela - Good point! I am going to enquire about the form i should have got with the letter as I would hate to think of someone else worrying themselves silly all weekend without the benefit of mumsnet support!

Thanks again x

Hi. Haven't had direct experience but my mum is a cytoscreener, she looks at smears all day long. Just wanted to add a word of comfort that the changes move very very slowly usually, we are talking years, so please try not to worry (easy for me to say), it's all about noticing things ultra ultra ultra early. All the best to you.

whereismywine - now I'm wondering if I work with or know your mum. Cytology is a very small world! :)

oooo i would love to work in cytology - do you have to be a doctor? I have got brderline changes and am scheduled to be re smeared the week before xmas - i can hardly wait!

Hi
No you don't have to be a doctor.
The staff working in cytology are:
Admin team/medical secretary
Biomedical Support workers: they keep the place running, receive samples, process them, book the samples in
Cytoscreeners (need GCSEs, train on the job and take a C&G diploma) who do the first reading of the slide
Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS): degree level, post degree qualification and the C&G diploma who supervise the cytoscreeners
Senior Biomedical scientist: as above, plus a Masters who supervise and do a second reading called 'checking' of any sample queried as abnormal by the BMS/cytoscreener
Consultant Biomedical Scientist: all the qualifications above plus a PhD level qualification. They work in a similar role to a pathologist or clinical scientist but are more specialised in cytology. They report abnormal results and refer women for investigation.
Pathologist: Dr + post medical training for about 10 yrs plus take the MRCPath to become a consultant.

More info on:
Cytoscreener
Biomedical Scientist

I love my job, it can be hard work, its very intensive at times but you know you're making a difference to peoples' lives. We're all involved with teaching and training as well so that aspect is rewarding too.

Best place to look if you're interested is NHS Jobs or to contact your local pathology department at the hospital and see if they're recruiting.

thanks thats helpful, there is a good chance i will be made redundant in dcember and its certainy an area i have thought off - pathology etc... i will certainly look further into it.

Yes mild can go back to normal, so they wait to see if your body sorts it out. If it goes more severe they will laser the cells off which is not so bad, you get a local anaesthetic. I think the worst bit is when you get up in the stirrups and they raise the seat up to eye level like a dentist's chair. I would like the ground to swallow me up at this point, but it's worth it i suppose.

its nice to be able to read others have the same issues. but i had my smear 9th nov and received letter saying i have mild abnormalities on 17th nov. i am booked in for a colposcopy on 8th dec. just wonder why i got an appointment so quick and others are saying the have had to wait six month for another smear test.

Currently some areas refer on first mild abnormality and others on the second occasion. That is probably why, unless you've had a previous abnormal test before?

this is my first abnormality but i have had three misscarriages which might be why they getting me in early. trying not to worry about it as its all happening quick it will be resolved quicker.

I was in a similar situation to grumpy - received a phone call after my smear to say that I had severe dyskaryosis.... I was a mess as I then googled and scared myself pooless with my dubious research!

In reality, I was seen quickly for a colposcomy, had the loop biopsy there and then and had results saying they had managed to remove all the nasty cells within a few weeks. Like grumpy I know have smears every 6 months, and am all the more reassured for them!

This is something that once you are in the system you will be well looked after, the procedures are all there to sort it out, and even if it does progress from mild to say severe (which is unlikely as cell changes are so slow) it is still easily treated and you will be ok.

Hope that makes sense and isn't just a big waffle - feel free to pm if you want any more info and try and relax, as someone who has been in your shoes it really was ok :)

The colposcopists' association website has some useful info.
Various areas of the country tend to refer on 1st low grade and others don't. Some areas are also already doing HPV triage which can mean women are referred on 1st abnormal. Usually a history of miscarriage wouldn't be a factor.
About 6% of womens' tests every year have low grade abnormalities and its a small proportion of them when they go to colposcopy will need to have a loop (LLETZ) that sillymilly mentions.
Please try not to worry and hope your appointment goes well.

I had treatment for same as you but only after about 6 years and my body not being able to make its mind up what it was doing. I always joke they got bored of seeing me so gave me treatment.
I wouldn't worry your body may make it normal again but they will keep a closer eye on you.
I have finally been put back to the normal 3yearly testing!!

I was told treatment may increase risk of miscarriage, but they haven't proven yet if that risk was already there anyway even without treatment.