Can anyone explain my colposcopy results to me please?

[TipForGoodCervix]

Hi, I had an inflamed cervix and a little spotting so was sent for a colposcopy a few months ago. The consultant said the visible inflammation was just harmless ectropion and cauterised it. She did a biopsy too as the colposcopy liquid very slowly turned white on my cervix, which can indicate HPV/cell changes. I received the following letter about the results:

I have now got the results of the biopsy. I am pleased to let you know the histology from this has shown HPV changes only on your cervix, but no evidence of any pre-cancer or cancer. I recommend you have a repeat smear in two years’ time (three years after your previous one).

Could anyone let me know exactly what this means? Does it mean I have the dangerous kind of high risk HPV that can cause cancer? Can low risk HPV cause ‘changes’? Does ‘HPV changes’ actually mean cell changes, in which case shouldn’t I have a smear in a year to check they haven’t progressed to CIN I or worse?? All online guidance says I should have a yearly smear while I’m exhibiting high risk HPV or cell changes, so maybe ‘HPV changes’ means something else??

So grateful for any advice, I’ve tried emailing the hospital twice but have had no reply yet and my GP didn’t know either 😕

The flowcharts for HPV positive after a colposcopy is different from what is done in primary care.so in primary care if you have HPV you have a repeat in a year
After a colposcopy if the operator has seen no evidence of CIN , HPV positive and cytology shows no changes the recommended next smear is 3 years from the last one so would fit with above.

Hpv comes and goes and your natural immunity will often resolve it in 60-70% of women unless you are a smoker.

The consultant says there were no cancerous or pre-cancerous cells on your cervix.

I understand your anxiety but please take on board that your consultant is reassuring you that you do not have cancer and so not need to worry

Thank you both v much for your replies.

I’m not worried that I have cancer now, more that these changes could lead to pre-cancerous cells that I don’t want missed by a delayed repeat smear.

@FelicityBennett you say ‘if cytology shows no changes’, does ‘HPV changes on cervix only’ mean something different to this?

Thanks again!

Also does the fact that I’m not being called back in 12 months mean that my HPV is not a High Risk strain? Would the letter have specified High Risk?

cytology means they look at the cells themselves to see if there are any abnormal changes of pre cancer caused by HPV being present
If the lab has reported HPV this means it is the high risk form

the difference for you and the reason you’re being offered a repeat smear in a a year is the the colposcopy, because the colposcopy should visualise all the cervix and hence pick up if there’s any early changes the recommendation goes back to a 3 year recall .
Jo’s trust has a good section I think on this

Sorry that should read ‘ not being offered a smear in a year ‘

Thanks so much @FelicityBennett just having a look at Jo’s Trust now. Still a bit confused if ‘HPV changes on the cervix only’ means cell changes or not 🤷

Yes , I think it’s just worded badly and they mean they detected HPV and no changes to indicate CIN but keep trying the colposcopy secretary to check.

I have. It had a smear test done, I went to my go with spotting in between periods, she said it looked red and had red and brown blood near my cervix, she referred me to a consultant with ing a week, she had a look but didn’t say much other that. A growth in the opening of my cervix, she sent me for a ultra sound the next day on my cervix, I had that done and the next day I got a letter that stated they wanted me to go and see the consultant two weeks later and possible lower surgery but no one has told me why! And why would I need it without a smear?

.