Very Anxious

I had my smear in June, results in august, which was a shock and colposcopy beginning of this month, I cannot praise the hospital I went to enough, I'm the kind of person that has hyperventilated and told to breathe so I don't faint during a smear, but I was so looked after and they were really wonderful, my smear results were high risk hpv, with borderline nuclear cells, pre procedure they  said nothing to worry about as borderline but as it progressed, they said they were surprised as it seemed to be a little more than what was shown, they did a tz3 biospy. I am completely neurotic and terrified at the moment, could the smear not show the exact cell abnormality's or has something progressed in the time frame from the smear and colposcopy,  they mentioned depending on results,  I may need to have another biopsy for a larger area after the results, is this normal thing to say ? 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    It can be a worry undergoing tests for abnormal findings but try not to over think things if you can.

    Remember cervical screening is all about the prevention of cancer but picking up abnormality that can then be monitored or treated until all returns to normal.

    Abnormal cells are mostly caused by high risk HPV which is why they now check for this as the primary cervical screening test. Then they check the sample in cytology for abnormal cells, this only gives a snap shot of what is happening which is why any abnormal cell seen is then checked out more closely in colposcopy.

    Whilst the cervical sample is described as borderline, mild, moderate or severe abnormal cells ( or dyskariosis) in the letter this can change to a different finding at colposcopy. It is only the biopsy that can confirm the type and severity in terms of CIN/CGIN here and what type of treatment that may be necessary.

    Sometimes more than one biopsy is needed and what needs to happen next will be discussed with you at the next appointment.

    As I say try not to worry, it often takes many years for abnormal cells to turn into cancer and it is rare for cervical cancer to be diagnosed through screening. Even in the instance it is picked up in screening it is usually as a early stage where is can be easily and successfully treated.

    I hope this helps, do get back in touch if needed.

    Take care

    Naomi