Cervical biopsy and health anxiety

Hello

 

So long story.

 

last year i had a scare with a doctor misdiagnosing an ectropian. I had a colposopy october 21 which came back fine but my smear showed high risk hpv.

 

I had my recall smear this year November 22 and it showed high risk hpv and borderline changes. 

 

Just had my colposcopy today and I'm a bit confused. She said there was an area less than a quarter of my cervix that showed up with the dye. She said she wanted to take a biopsy which she did, just one biopsy in that area. 

 

Her words were along the lines of we will do a biopsy just to check if it's just the hpv infection showing or low grade changes. Just to see if we need to see you in a year or back to normal smears I'll write to you with your results in 4 weeks or so. 

 

I did ask her outright if I needed to worry about the big c and she said 'not then went 'no I don't think so no'. 

 

I'm aware I may be overthrowing massively but since I had my son I've been diagnosed with health anxiety so things like tests and biopsies are my worst nightmare especially the waiting. 

 

I'm trying to logic it out that I had a clear colposcopy a year ago, she didn't say anything about burning it off and she didn't seem overly worried.... but anxiety brain us taking over and telling me my results are going to be awful or something. 

 

I suppose it caught me off guard that they did a biopsy if they think it's just low grade stuff... although it does say on the leaflet sometimes they do?!

 

Any advice or anyone who's been through anything similar would he a great help. 

 

P.s please be delicate as with my health anxiety I'm a wreck

  • Hello yorkshirelass12

    Thank you for posting in our Ask the Nurses topic area. The nurse team is out of the office for the festive period.

    The office reopens on Wednesday 28th to 30th Dec 9 am to 5 pm. Then closed 5 pm 30th Dec, back on 3rd Jan 2023 to 6th Jan, as normal 9 am to 5 pm.

    They will reply as soon as they can but you’re also welcome to contact them on 0808 800 4040 during opening hours.

    In the meantime try to keep busy and think positively. You've already mentioned that you're trying to use logic to reason through your anxiety and this is a great way of helping you to manage your thoughts and feelings. This information on the NHS website has some additional useful tips and advice for managing stress and anxiety. 

    I hope you have some news soon.

    Best wishes,
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi Yorkshirelass12 and thanks for posting.

    It does sound like you're  having a worrying time at the moment.

    Lots of people find they feel very anxious when they are waiting for test results.  Some people find keeping busy helps to take their mind off the waiting. 

    Sometimes we go over every tiny detail of the appointment, hoping it will give us a clue about what the results will be, but often this can just make us feel more anxious. 

    You may like to look at information from Jo's Trust about cell changes and how they are monitored and treated.  

    These resources may be useful to have a look at, they can help to manage how you are feeling and have ways to reduce anxiety,  Every Mind Matters and Anxiety UK.

    You said you had been diagnosed with health anxiety after having your son so hopefully this means you have had some support with this.  If you haven't spoken to your GP, they can also give you ideas to help you manage this.

    I hope you get your results soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like 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