Cancer Research UK main site

CIN3 help!

JesKFH
Offline

I went for a smear last year and it came back that i had HPV and that i would just need a smear 12 months later. I had a smear about 5 weeks ago and its come back last week saying I have CIN3 and will need a colposcopy. I’m confused and scared on how i went from just having HPV to CIN3 in one year. 

I’m worried because before my last smear last year i hadn’t had one for about 4 years due to having miscarriages around the time i was due. I’m now worried because i missed them and now its too late?

I know we’re all bad for using DR google and thinking the worst but i can’t help it. My partner is reassuring me saying its more of a ‘pre treatment’ and the procedure (LLETZ) is to stop the cells becoming cancer. I’m just so scared, scared for the procedure and scared for the outcome. I have a little girl and cant stop thinking the worst. 

  • Hello Jes, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that you are feeling so scared since your smear result, and I understand you wanting more information.

    Your partner is right, these cells are most likely to be abnormal ( often referred to as precancerous), not cancer. If left these cells could over a period of time become a cancer cell. See here for more information on abnormal cells. HPV can cause the cells to change to abnormal, but the screening programme is based around prevention. Therefore any precancerous cells would be removed at colposcopy (by the LLETZ procedure or something similar) to prevent them becoming a cancer cell. There is more information about the LLetz procedure here.

    It is difficult to not give in to the temptation of looking online. But do remember everyone's situation is different and it might not be your experience. So do try to keep to our pages or Jo's trust if you want further HPV or LLETZ information.

    Take care and hopefully you will get your Lletz appointment through soon. 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.

    Sarah.

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.