Cancer Research UK main site

Cervical smear results abnormal

Amy33
Offline

Last 3 smear tests have been normal the latest smear test showed up cervical transformation zone cells present. Low grade dyskinesiaosis and says high risk hpv detected, I have been referred for another test but i am worried this is cancer!? Any one been in a similar situation thanks 

  • Offline

    Hi Amy

    I am not a nurse, but as you have posted in the ask a nurse section and they are not here at the weekend, perhaps I can reassure you meantime. 

    First of all, low grade dyskariosis is NOT cancer. The screening programme has detected that you have the HPV virus, which can cause cervical cell abnormalities, hence your cells have been checked and the low grade dyskariosis means that a low level of cell changes has been identified. 

    This is a very common result from a smear test, and you will be checked again as these cell changes can regress and may not even require any treatment. 

    Please try not to overthink the result-the whole point of the screening programme is to detect any cell changes long before they would ever become cancerous.x

     

  • Offline in reply to Minska

    Thank you for your reply as I'm really worried so is high risk hpv common ? Or is it something to worry about ? With me getting refered for another smear to look more closely at the cells I have forgotten what they called it is that common ? 
     

    tbank you 

  • Offline in reply to Amy33

    Hi Amy

    Having HPV is extremely common, as is high risk HPV. I am presuming you are being referred for a procedure called a colposcopy where the doctor will be able to examine your cervix in more detail. They will use a liquid on your cervix to highlight any abnormal areas and samples can be taken for testing. This is an extremely common procedure which follows on from an abnormal smear result. It is quick and straightforward and literally thousands of women have this done. Everything is about prevention of cancer, so the most important thing to do is attend all of your appointments. x

  • Hello Amy33 and thank you for your post.

    I see that Minska has already given you good advice so I hope my reply will also help.

    The NHS Cervical Screening Programme is designed to pick up HPV (high risk types) and then look to see if there are any abnormal cells (that line the cervix).  HPV is a common infection, there are many different types of HPV and the types called high risk are the ones that can cause cervical cells to become abnormal. Abnormal cervical cells can over time (around 10-15 yrs) can become cancer. The screening programme is designed to pick up these abnormal cells (if they are to happen) and remove them with treatment (if it is needed) to prevent cancer from happening. Low grade dyskaryosis means that a smear test has picked up some cells that are mildly abnormal, this is not a cancer diagnosis.  For most women these changes will go back to normal on their own , this is because the body's immune system will get rid of the HPV.  You have been asked to attend the colposcopy clinic ( this is the other test you ask about) to get your cervix checked out. 

    We have more information about getting an abnormal cervical screening result and going to the colposcopy clinic , you can see it on our website here 

    Many women with low grade dykaryosis do not need to be treated as the cells changes will often go back to normal on their own. If this has happened you will be seen in 1 year's time to get checked out again. If you need to have treatment , you will be told about this when you are at your colposcopy appointment and followed up with another appointment again.   You can read more about having a colposcopy here 

    Lots of women have been in a similar situation and I think it is fair to say that most of them will be OK.  Remember that by always attending your screening appointments you are greatly reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Also that since the introduction of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer has been greatly reduced.

    I hope this has helped and that you will be okay.  Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.

    Take care

    Caroline

  • Offline in reply to Minska

    Hi minska 

    thank you for taking the time out to reply to my posts, I feel a little less worried now! I hope you are doing ok and all the best to you.

    thank you 

  • Offline in reply to Amy33

    Thank you Amy

    All the best with your appointment, and I hope everything goes well for you. x

     

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.