Hello there and thanks for posting

I appreciate this is an anxious time for you but please remember that the cervical screening programme is all about prevention. The aim of the programme is to detect abnormality ( whether that be HPV or abnormal cells) at an early stage where it can either be monitored or treated ( removed) to prevent it from turning into cancer.

The screening programmes have strict protocols and timings to manage people within the system to ensure the best possible outcomes. CIN1 is generally monitored as often can clear on it's own and the body needs to be allowed time to do this. Most people will clear HPV within a couple of years if they have a good immune system and don't smoke. However there are some women who can have persisting HPV which needs ongoing surveillance, which can be worrying when going through this.

If the CIN1 was to turn to CIN2/3 then treatment is normally offered to remove these cells. We can't comment in terms of the treatment for your other gynae issues but a hysterectomy isn't usually offered for precancerous cells.

I understand that waiting for the next colposcopy isn't easy but try not to over think things if you can. It often takes a long time for abnormal cells to change in severity and as I say there are guidelines of when people need to be reassessed.

I hope this helps but do speak with your own doctor about your concerns so that they can hopefully advise and reassure you further

All the best

Naomi

Thank you, Naomi. Would you mind explaining me what my Colposcopy Report means. I had Colposcopy on Monday and worried. Here it is:

Attended Colposcopy in December when examination looked like ectropion but showed CIN1 - poss cGIN on histopathology report therefore invited back to repeat colposcopy in 3 month.

Todays examination:

Colposcopic Opinion on Cervix: unsatisfactory

On examination today: menstruating from external os. There is a small raw area appearing like an elliptical laceration on outer lower aspect of cervix - not near TZ, biopsy taken, it was there before on previous examination. No obvious acetowhite changes but inflamed and bleeding. Ex os is narrow and Kahari improved the view somewhat but cannot be confident that full visualisation of TZ achieved. 2 biopsies from within the canal taken.

Dear Naomi, could you kindly explain if report looks bad please? Why did they need to do colposcopy in 3 months, what does it mean possibly cGIN? Inflamed and bleeding is not a good sign?

Thanks so much

Hi there and thanks for the post

I appreciate this is a worrying time for you but do try and speak with the colposcopy clinic if you can to get more information about this.

Whilst we cannot interpret test results, hopefully I can explain a couple of things to hopefully put your mind a little at ease.

There are a number of things that can cause abnormalities to appear in the cervix. An ectropian is when the cells from within the inside of the cervix appear on the outside of the cervix. This gives the cervix a red and angry appearance and it can also can bleed. Ectropians aren't cancer.

Then there are abnormal cells that can develop in the cervix. There are different types of cervical abnormal cells and it is a biopsy that can say the type and severity of the abnormal cells. The most common type are CIN Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasm 1,2 and 3 and then there is CGIN Cervical Glandular Intraepithelial Neoplasm, which are less common but can be treated in the same way as CIN.

Both CIN and CGIN are considered pre cancerous cells that if left untreated may turn into cancer so depending on the severity they will often be monitored closely or treated (removed) to prevent this.

From your report it seems like they were unable to view the transformational zone (tz) fully at colposcopy but have taken some biopsies of the area. I can only assume that the hospital team will be in touch soon with the results to discuss the findings and what needs to happen next.

Please try not to over think this until you have all the information about this from the team involved in your care.

I hope this helps.

All the best

Naomi