Polyop found during smear test

[mitsi31]

Just totally freaked out
Got a letter in this morning to say I've been referred to the gynaecology department at the hospital
Had my smear a month ago and the results came back fine no changes so phone the docs to find out apparently the locam nurse found a polyop when doing my smear and never said so said to a doc who then referred me on
Totally freaking out now

As hard as it is, I wouldn't panic. I had 3 removed from my uterus about a year and a half ago and it was no bother. You are in best hands and at least your smear test was normal!

As hard as it is, I wouldn't panic. I had 3 removed from my uterus about a year and a half ago and it was no bother. You are in best hands and at least your smear test was normal!

Most polyps are harmless, OP. You wouldn’t freak out about a wart or a spot - this is likely to be just about as dangerous!
Your GP is doing the sensible thing and sending you to get it removed so it can be looked at in the lab, to exclude the very rare ones that might need further treatment.
Dial down the panic- it’s a waste of energy, and doesn’t help you whatever the diagnosis! Be pleased that you got your smear done, and for having a clued up nurse who spotted the polyp so you can get it fixed.

I'm waiting on an appointment for the same thing. I'm not worried, I've a history of a polyp being discovered at smear tests. I get it removed then find at a future smear that it's reappeared & get it taken off again. Cervical polyps are very common & nearly always harmless but the docs like to remove them to check them out just in case. Removal is just like having a smear, it's quick & painless. You might bleed a little afterwards. Really, try not to worry.

I had a polyp found at my very first smear test and was referred to hospital to have it removed. It was over quickly and wasn't at all painful I don't even recall any discomfort after it was done (and i find smear tests uncomfortable and feel crampy after it)

I had to have a repeat smear after 6 months to see if it had returned then another a year later then back to every three years.

You should have been made aware of it being found and that you would be referred on I don't understand why the nurse/dr didn't do this.

Hi OP I too had polyps identified at recent smear and have appt with gynaecologist.
Try not to worry - polyps of all sorts are really common and the vast majority are totally benign.

I hope you don't mind if I ask a couple of questions - I dont mean to hijack.

@DramaAlpaca you say removal was a bit like a smear . Does that mean no general anaesthetic?

And has anyone had a biopsy first or do they go straight for removal and check the polyp after?

TIA

Oh this happened to me 3 years ago. I had to have them removed under a general thank god. Just had my scheduled smear about a week ago actually and the doc said she couldnt see any polyps this time. I stressed about it when i heard too! Of all the things you could be told, this is very minor!

I have had lots removed, takes about 30 seconds, a bit like a smear

@MrsDimmond

No need for any pain relief. They just snip it. First time they offered local anaesthetic but by the second they just snipped it, the lovely registrar just chatted away and snipped barely felt it

@MrsDimmond I hope you don't mind me jumping in.

My polyp was removed by cauterisation and wasn't done under any anaesthetic. There was no pain at all and i was in and out in about 5mins. I'm not sure if the placement of the polyp determines if anaesthetic is required or if there are other factors but it was a painless quick process.

The only thing I would advise is to take you're own sanitary towel. I didn't even think to take my own and was given what I can only describe as a nappy by the hospital, i assume they're given as a precaution as I really didn't have any bleeding.

Thanks guys
I'm making a appointment to speak to the doc that referred me or at least speak to her as I want to know why I wasnt told at the time of my smear that a polyop was found and had to wait till I got a letter this morning and totally freaked out at least the nurse did say to the doc and they've referred me (appointment with gynaecology next month) but would of been nice to k ow myself plus
I have calmed down a bit after reading your comments and reading up on polyops being found by smear tests
I'm left wondering if the polyop being there is stopping us from getting pregnant?

No need for an anaesthetic for most of mine either. Just a quick, painless tweak and it's gone. They go straight for removal then check them after, IME.

I did have one removed under GA, but I was having another gynae procedure & a Mirena coil put in at the same time, so I had a GA so they could get everything done at once. If a polyp is small, removal is honestly painless so you don't need an anaesthetic.

That's so helpful. Thank you all!

Glad to hear you are feeling more reassured @mitsi31 goid lyck with it all

Or good luck

Thanks again defo reassured and will be booking a appointment to speak to the doc about this get clued up properly and ask questions

Even partner was shocked that they never said at the smear test that she found a polyop

I'm surprised they didn't tell you at the time. I had the same thing recently, but the nurse she found it, and to told me to expect the letter. The gynae appointment was about 2 months later and by that time the polyp had gone of its own accord.
Best of luck, hope it goes well