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Original poster

Abnormal smear - petrified

14 replies

1legmummy · 11/04/2009 23:26

I have had a letter saying I have an abnormal result and will be contacted by hospital for app for colposcopy.

I am really scared, I know it is common to have to have retests but not heard of this.

Also worried because I had two smears previosly 3 months apart that both came back with technical problems, what if something has been going on and not been caught.?

Sorry to write this so late, but as time is going on I am really starting to think something is very wrong

OP posts:
KerryMumbles · 11/04/2009 23:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

whomovedmychocolate · 11/04/2009 23:31

It's normal to have a colposcopy in such circumstances. The NHS changed its rules a couple of years ago and in cases where cancer is even suspected you are fast tracked for treatment within two weeks.

I know you will worry but really if you think of it, you know there may be a problem now instead of being completely in the dark, and something can be done about it.

lisad123 · 11/04/2009 23:32

my friend went though this last week. They will have looked at sample and seen any changes. When you go they will do the biopsy, and look at the cervix too. They should be able to tell you at the appointment what sort of level you have, and its very unlikely to be full blown cancer, as this is why they do smears. Takes about 2-3 weeks for results (thats here in herts) and then they will either do lazer treatment to remove all cells and then have reguar smears, unless things are worse, that shoudl be it. I hope this helps and loads of prayers heading your way

whomovedmychocolate · 11/04/2009 23:32

Oh and btw, cell changes do not necessarily mean cancer. Most of the time they are caused by irritation or infection of the cervix. If you've had sex within 72 hours of a smear and bashed the cervix the cells can be damaged.

lisad123 · 11/04/2009 23:34

mostly pre cancer cells too, rather than cancer cells.

lisad123 · 11/04/2009 23:34

And DONT google it!

Original poster
1legmummy · 11/04/2009 23:37

too late, but thanks I know I am over reacting, have told friends not to worry when they had abnormal smears.

Just thought I would have heard about app by now.

Thankyou everyone x

OP posts:
sasamaxx · 11/04/2009 23:37

Colposcopy is soooooo common - please try not to worry.
Me and 2 of my sisters all had abnormal smears. 2 of us went for it and were then told everything was fine - yearly smears for 3 years or something and then back to normal. Only one of us had 'cold coagulation' to remove pre-cancerous cells and this was successful.
It honestly happens all the time. They just want a closer look through the colposcope and may take a small bioopsy. I am pretty sure that if they want a cone biopsy or to do treatment, they call you back for a second visit.
That fist visit with the colposcope is really not that much different to a smear except it's longer and you get to see your most intimate areas on a gigantic monitor

Amandoh · 11/04/2009 23:37

You poor thing. Try not to worry too much. I've read quite a few times that it's common to have an abnormal result and then a completely normal one and even if they are abnormal it's rarely cancer. It just means that the abnormal cells could become cancerous and so you have more regular check ups or sometimes they remove them.

I know it's difficult to put it to the back of your mind but please please try. Cervical cancer is generally considered a slow growing cancer and if found early the survival rate is very high.

This website is very infomative and should help ease your mind.

lisad123 · 11/04/2009 23:40

oh and bollox if they tell you it doesnt hurt, it does smart a little. Having had one or two of these, only hint I can give is boiled sweets. Suck one during the biopsy, it does help.

Original poster
1legmummy · 11/04/2009 23:52

Thanks the website helped alot.

Not really worried about the pain side, had about 18 operations on legs, leading to chosen amputation and very two VERY big babies.

Just upset, cause had very bad year last year with various things and now this.

Feel a bit like I have over reacted but think I have taken for granted always having clear smears

OP posts:
sasamaxx · 11/04/2009 23:52

But it doesn't take long and then it's over.

sasamaxx · 11/04/2009 23:53

That's really shit - it really will be OK ((()))

BellaNoir · 12/04/2009 01:44

Does the letter actually say this one is abnormal ? There are several reasons why you can be referred to colposcopy. If your previous two within the last couple of months have been inadequate/technically unsuitable then you would usually be referred to colposcopy to get checked out if you had a third inad. Also with a history of two recent inads then this one could be a very minor abnormality and some labs would refer you just to be on the safe side.
The NHS CSP website is quite useful. Please contact your GP to discuss it or the colposcopy staff can give you more into and support.
Hth

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