Hi Sam414 and thank you for your post.

It’s really understandable to feel worried, but try not to panic.

Low grade changes (Dyskaryosis) on your smear test usually means mild changes to the cells. This is often linked to HPV and very often goes back to normal on its own.

A colposcopy is done to take a closer look at the cervix. It helps the doctor see how much the cells have changed. The CIN number (1, 2, or 3) is only confirmed after this closer check, and sometimes with a small sample.

It is unlikely to have CIN3 if your smear showed low grade changes. Low grade results usually match with CIN1, which is the mildest form. But the colposcopy is there to be sure, just in case.

Even if higher changes are found, they are not cancer. They are early changes that can be treated very effectively.

Sticking to the NHS cervical screening programme means that any abnormal cells are removed before they could possibly mature into a cancerous cell in the future.

Try not to google until you have more information, as Google discusses the topic in a general context rather than focusing on your specific situation.

I really hope you know more soon and that everything will be okay for you.

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

It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Kind regards,

Tina