Colposcopy

[CrazyCatLady00]

I’m really worried as I’ve been called for an urgent colposcopy as I’ve had 3 positive HPV results (over last 3 years) and I now have abnormal cervical cells.

i am so worried that I might have cervical cancer. Has anyone else had the same thing?

Many more experts than me, but here's what I know....

This is extremely common: colposcopy is a sensible response to check whether your cells are what's called CIN1, 2 or 3. The result will direct the treatment. It's highly unlikely to be cancer - the various CINs (even 3, the most severe) take years to become malignant. If treatment is required (they may just watch and wait) it's generally a procedure (which can be under local or general) called a LLETZ. This involved removing the unhealthy cells (we're generally talking centimetres here, not loads!).

If you've got any more questions, do ask, and I'll do my best to answer. (Disclaimer: although I'm an ex-nurse this wasn't my area - I just know a fair bit about it because a family member has just gone through it.)

I was told that 3 positive HPV smears is colposcopy regardless of abnormal cell changes.

I knew for this reason I would be recalled however at the same time they found grade 3 cell changes as well which I didn’t expect as I’d had no cell changes the previous year (annual recall)

anyway due to being grade 3 they removed the area of concern. My test of cure smear showed hpv had been cleared as well which is good.

my mum had similar 20+ years ago and never had an issue since.

the likelihood of you having cancer is very small x

Thank you for your replies. I feel much calmer now.