Freaking out about smear results and weird symptoms

[llihl13]

Hi ladies, I would love some support right now or any stories if you have them.

I went for a follow up smear as my last came back HPV positive (high risk) but no abnormal cells. I was already worried as I've had strange (but not severe) pains in my pelvic area for a few months, and my last period was 10 days late, and low and behold it has come back that I have abnormal cells.

I'm unsure on the severity because the online patient thing says:

HPV PRIMARY Yes
GRADE 3
CERVICAL CYTOLOGY REPORT Low-grade squamous dyskaryosis.
HPV TEST High Risk HPV Detected
MANAGEMENT SUGGESTED Colposcopy will be arranged

It says low grade but does the 'grade 3' above mean the worst type? I'm confused, stressed and really upset right now. I just have a horrible feeling these niggly pains mean something really bad is going on :( would love to hear from any of you, I'm really struggling x

https://www.londonwomenscentre.co.uk/conditions/dyskaryosis

The low grade squamous dyskaryosis suggests Cin1 which corresponds to mild changes

Dyskaryosis

When your cervical screening test is HPV positive and shows abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix this is called ‘dyskaryosis’. Most abnormal results show minor cell changes. These are called borderline, mild or low-grade dyskaryosis. These cell changes are often linked to the HPV. In many cases these minor changes will go back to normal by themselves.

A small number of women have moderate or severe changes to the cells on their cervix. This is called high-grade dyskaryosis. These changes are also pre-cancerous in nature. The majority of cases do not lead to cancer of the cervix in the future. These changes are less likely to return to normal on their own. A simple treatment (discussed further in this leaflet) may be all that is required so that the cells of the cervix can return to normal.

Try not to worry (I know that's easier said than done) - I had CIN3 high grade dyskaryosis last year that covered a very large portion of my cervix. Had it zapped (LLETZ) and been all clear since. I promise you that you have nothing to worry about.
The nurse that performed the procedure told me to "think of it as a mole" in the sense that that patch of skin has more potential to become cancerous than other parts, but it doesn't mean they always do. X

And the colposcopy will give more clarity as to the extent of abnormal cells

Same! I had my high grade severe cells zapped. They've been checked over since and all clear. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry. The good news is its been spotted and will be sorted.

Thanks everyone, really reassuring to read all of that. I probably wouldn't be so worried if it wasn't for the pelvic pain, and I'm sure I need to go to the loo more now than I ever have (not drinking more than usual). Hopefully it isn't related :(

I'm also TTC, do I need to stop? And will it affect me having children if I have to have the procedure you said about? Thanks so much for replying x

Hi everyone, I still haven’t had any letters through with my referral and the hospital can’t book me in as I’m not on the system. Does anyone know how long this might take (UK)? I can’t stand the waiting :(

Good luck op

Booked to see a private Gynae 14th Oct. Local gp paid millions but don’t know what HPV means 2 relatives died of cancer effecting the vagina in the last two decades - no thanks.

First year I had HPV and abnormal cells, second year the same but CIN3, had treatment and been clear since, all symptoms gone but unfortunately for me mine was very high so wasn’t great as advised not a good idea to have anymore kids.