Hi NJJ and thanks for posting.

I'm sorry to hear you are having a worrying time.

It may help to remember that cell changes are not cancer and having them does not mean you will necessarily develop cervical cancer. Most cell changes will get better by themselves or with treatment. 

It sounds as if the grade you are referring to could be cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or dyskaryosis - this what the screening test reports abnormal cells as. CIN is usually reported during a colposcopy or from a biopsy result.  CIN 2 (high grade) means that cell changes are two-thirds deep into the outer surface of the cervix.

If you do find out yuo have CIN2 can be either monitored or treated. Your colposcopist will make a recommendation based on your personal situation and preference.  You will be able to discuss this with them when you are there.

Please have a look at our information about having an abnormal cervical screening result and going to colposcopy here that you may find useful.

You mentioned about your allergy to local anaesthetic.  A biopsy during colposcopy only takes a small sample of tissue, so most people don’t have local anaesthetic.  If you are worried about this perhaps you could contact the clinic where you will be having your appointment to discuss this with them.

I'm afraid I can't tell you how long the appointment will take to come through, each area varies, but most women are offered an appointment within four weeks of being referred.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take Care

Rachel

Hi Rachel

Thank you for your reply, that has helped calm me a little! The 'abnormal/grade 2' is just what has come back from the smear test results yes.

The other thing is the cytology result was 'negative' and I wasn't sure what that meant either...? The lady on the phone couldn't really say much so again I was going to ask when I went in. 

Thanks

Hello NJJ and thanks for getting back to us, 

Cytology is the examination of cells, if your cytology was negative this should mean no abnormal cells were seen so I am not sure what the grade 2 in your results refers to. 

But because you have had a year three positive HPV test, even when no abnormal cells are found, the next step is to check your cervix with a colposcopy examination which is routine. 

As you say, the best thing to do is to ask the staff at the colposcopy clinic to clarify the terminology as it applies to you. 

All the best,

Julia