Smear test confusion

Hello

I am currently going through tests as the doctor found red spots in my cervix and I have some symptoms that are concerning including watery discharge and odour, brown and red spotting, pelvic pain, leg pain etc. The doc thinks I also have endometriosis as well but that wouldn't cause those symptoms but it looks like I do have endo anyway due to many years of symptoms plus many years of rectal bleeding and painful ovary when ovualting (had this since i can remember). I'm also now finding brown flakes in the toilet when I wee. I'm absolutely convincing myself that it's spread. I'm so scared but also confused. 

However, I'm a little upset and confused. I had my regular smear tests. Every single one saying that they were normal. I made sure I would go. My last one was 2022. It was normal and I remember the nurse saying my cervix looks healthy. 

Is it possible to develop cervical c if your smear test was normal and cervix looked healthy 2 years ago? I take it it would depend on which type cos regular smears only look for hpv type? My nana had cervical c so I know there's a risk. I just thought I'd be fine with smears so thought nothing of the symptoms which is a shame.. im so sad. I have two beautiful girls and im so scared for them. 

  • I just want to add that I had a full blood count in August there and crp, alt, wbc etc were all normal. I know that doesn't tell much but I'd imagine if it has spread, those numbers would have been off? Thanks 

  • Hi, Susie 0123 and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to read about what is happening right now, it sounds like this is a frightening time for you.

    Although I cannot say what may be the cause of your symptoms, it is good to remember that there are many non-cancerous conditions, such as endometriosis, infection, or cervical ectropion that can cause similar problems.

    Until you have had all the investigations and the results it will be difficult for anyone to say what might be going on. I realise this means a lot of uncertainty and so you would try and seek answers elsewhere, but it is only your doctors who knows.

    The majority of cervical cancers are linked to persistent infection with certain types (called high-risk) of human papillomavirus (HPV).  If someone is HPV-negative, the chances of abnormal cells being present are extremely low. Current research shows that cervical cancer takes many years to develop and the time from an HPV infection, to cervical cancer, is usually decades. 

    I'm glad to hear that your blood tests in August were within the normal range, and I hope you know more from those tests soon.

    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.

    Kind regards,

    Tina