Hi there and thanks for the post

I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you after the bank holidays

Please try not to worry and don't let your mind run away with itself.

Usually someone is called to colposcopy when a cervical screening result shows abnormal cells in cytology.

Abnormal cells in the cervix aren't usually cancer ( rather pre cancerous) that are often caused by high risk strains of the Human Papilloma Virus HPV. This is a common virus passed through intimate skin to skin contact. Most people clear HPV through the body's immune system within a couple of years but sometimes abnormal cells can develop in the cervix because of it.

Cervical screening is all about cancer prevention by picking up abnormalities including high risk HPV and abnormal cells. As and when these are picked up they can then be monitored or treated to prevent them from turning into cancer.

As you say it is rare for cancer to be diagnosed through cervical screening but on the rare occasion when this does happen it is usually caught at an early stage where it can be successfully treated.

Usually people will be sent their cervical screening result in the post that will describe what has or hasn't been detected in the screening test. I would contact your GP surgery to ask if they have a copy of this result for your information, failing that you could contact the colposcopy unit you have been referred to ask them.

At colposcopy as I say they will closely look at the cervix. They usually apply an acetic acid to the cervix that shows up any areas of abnormality. From this they can take biopsy (tissue) samples to confirm the type of abnormality. Sometimes they can remove the abnormality at the same time or they may wait to see what the biopsy results come back as before deciding the best management or treatment.

Mild abnormal cell changes may just be left and monitored whereas moderate or severe are usually removed using a treatment such as LLETZ, that you can read more about on our web pages.

Having treatment in the cervix for abnormal cells doesn't usually affect someone's fertility or ability to conceive. If a woman has several treatments or alot of cervical tissue is removed from the cervix this can sometimes bring on early labour. However people who are in this situation will discuss this with the doctor when they become pregnant as there are things that can be done to minimise the risk of this happening.

I hope you know more soon and that your appointment goes well.

Take care

Naomi