Hi Kayleigh,

Please don't get too down hearted. I know this is an awful and scary time for you but I have been through a similar experience, although mine was HPV with CIN 1. I had laser treatment to clear the pre cancerous cells, this was done under local anaesthetic, it took minutes and I was fine within a few hours afterwards, just a little cramping and bleeding.

I too was worried about pregnancy but I since had a baby without any problems. Remember that this pre cancerous cells which could turn to cancer but would take 15-20 years to progress that far - so I was told. You will be having treatment to prevent these cells becoming anything more serious and it doesn't mean pregnancy can not happen and there are procedures that can help with that when the time comes should you experience any problems in that area.

Keep your chin up. When it's all done you'll wonder why you were so worried!

Nicola xx

Hi Nicola

Thanks for the reply, I actually got my appointment for the treatment yesterday so at least I know in 9 days the cells will be gone, I had the cin 1 in May and they left me for 6 months and then it's turned to cin 3, it was such a shock that it had gone from 1 to 3 in such little time, and yeah I am looking forward to the day I can look back and think why did I worry so much, I haven't been able to be positive about it yet but I only have 9 days to wait now until the treatment!!

I've never from day 1 understood the hpv, how long ago did you have the treatment? And has everything been ok since??

Regards

Kayleigh

Hi Kayleigh,

I had the treatment four years ago. Then had a baby 18 months later. At least you know what to expect this time if you've already had similar but that is shocking that it stepped up in just 6 months, I can understand why you are so worried.

As I understand it, HPV is a virus that mot people contract sometime during their life and their body fights it off within two years and it leaves their body and most people never know have/had it. Some people can't fight it off or some types of the virus are more difficult to fight off (there are about 200 types) and it can cause these pre cancerous cells (I think). I still don't know if I still have any HPV left in my body and not sure if I'll ever know but as I was told my body would fight it off in time, I've never really worried about it.

I'm glad you have an appointment now so you can focus on that and I hope you are able to get some rest afterwards. Come on here and update us when you can so we know how you are doing and don't forget tot ask plenty of questions around the pregnancy thing if it really bothers you. It's best to know your options.

Nicola x

Hi Nicola,

Had treatment yesterday, I had the loop llets one, all went ok, didn't hurt that much too be honest I don't why I worried, get results in 5 weeks to see if need more treatment, they have told me that they are 99.99999999% sure it's not cancer!! So worrying has eased, can't start to plan having children until I have been for the smear in 6 months, they didn't know why it had gone for mild to severe in 6 months, but that's the high risk hpv that has done it!!

I actually watched most of what was happening on the screen which also calmed me down, they told me that even cin 3 can take years to develop in to cancer and the main important thing was I was going to colposcopy and having treatment, anyone reading this who maybe going through the same thing, yeah it's scary and worrying as it's the fear of the unknown, I had a big area removed yesterday and it wasn't that bad, the dentist doing a filling is worse, honestly!!! I also have had no bleeding as yet and very little pain, when I have pain it's a little like period pain but not as painful!! I am very pleased of how it went yesterday and even if I have to have more treatment at least this is being sorted!!

To be a bloody woman hey lol,

Anyone going through this and need advise just ask, I will be glad to share my experience and offer reassurance as that is all you want when going through this,

A very weight has been lifted kayleighmoo lol

Hello there,

I thought I'd reply since it's been 5 weeks (seems like a long time to have to wait for results!), and I am wondering what they were and if all is clear.  I hope so, cuz I'm going through the same thing (my results are not clear after a LEEP and a cone biopsy).  It is so worriesome and troubling, and I have my ups and downs.  Hope all is well with you and you are keeping your spirits up.  It is good to hear that it is slow growing, although when you go from a clear pap smear to CIN 3 in one year, it doesn't make sense to hear that it's slow growing.  Let us know how it's going for you!

Hi Kayleigh,

I'm 25 and this is my first smear/colposcopy. I've had my first one and then they said someone my age can had 50/50 chance of changing and not having surgery.

my biopsy showed I was CIN2 which is why they let me wait, but now I'm due back and i it's saying for a check up and then if needed discuss pre op. So I'm assuming this would be LLETZZ. Just wanted to know if I'm to expect worse from a dentist like you said. It's harder as have to go on my own due to covid l-19. But just wanted so reassurance really. Gosh it's all such a worry. X

thank you 

Hi did you go for yours

i had letter today abnormalities CIN2-3 

it was only 6 months ago it was slightly abnormal with HPV High

now this and I'm worried 

is there any nurses advising me pls on here I'm beside myself 

going in in two weeks for the LOOP think that's laser not sure 

can't stop reading internet ‍♀️ ️

Hi Maxmill, 

I just wanted to wish you good luck with your LOOP and let you know that our nurses are available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m if you'd like to discuss your situation with them. You can also make a post in the Ask the Nurses section of the forum.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks for your comment 

does this mean I could have cervical cancer having CIN 2-3? And high HPV?

Hi maxmill

CIN 2-3 are NOT cervical cancer..they are pre cancerous abnormal cells. High risk strains of hpv cause  most cervical cancers but having hpv does not mean you will get cancer. Not everyone with hpv even has abnormal cells, and most of the sexually active population carry the hpv virus. 

Dr google is not your friend when you’re worried about something. It can make every symptom seem to be cancer! 

Thank you for your reply x

So at this stage if I did have cancer they would know ? X

Normally you would need a biopsy to confirm cancer. Even though I had a tumour visible to the naked eye on examination, the gynaecologist did not confirm it was cancer until he had the results of my biopsies. Hopefully your treatment will simply remove the abnormal cells. x

Normally you would need a biopsy to confirm cancer. Even though I had a tumour visible to the naked eye on examination, the gynaecologist did not confirm it was cancer until he had the results of my biopsies. Hopefully your treatment will simply remove the abnormal cells. x

Oh ok thank you 

so I've had two biopsy one in Jan that was clear and one 

recently this month and this is where it's come back CIN 2-3

do you mean when they send off after my laser treatment ? Will that be classed as a biopsy ? I'm feeling so scared about all this x

Hi Maxmill

Your recent biopsy has not identified cancer, just abnormal cells, so I would take comfort from this. I know it can be very scary but treatment should remove the abnormal cells before they have a chance to develop into cancer and then you would have regular monitoring. x

Thank you

So today I've found out my appointment has been bought forward to this Tuesday 21/7/20

to have LEETZ treatment for abnormal cells CIN 2-3

HPV

But I'm feeling pain in my lower tummy achy pain like my cervix is dialating like labour 

just wondering if anyone else has had this ?

hurts to walk too ‍♀️
appreciate anyone's opinion on this or a nurse ?

Hi Maxmill

CIN and having hpv should not give pain. You really need to mention this when you go for your treatment on Tuesday, and the gynaecologist should be able to advise. All the best for your treatment. (Nurses are not here at the weekend)

Thank you x

Hi Maxmill

I am in the same situation as you, could I ask how your treatment went and what they said about the pain? I have pain too, not like yours but mines like where the side of my womb is, if that makes sense.. between public bone and hip- just on one side. Had biospy 2 weeks ago and got cin 2-3 results yesterday but they are taking it to the MDT meeting? At the end of this month to decide my treatment and then go from there. I am worrying as to why it needs to be taken to this meeting first and why I cant just go ahead with the standard treatment, its making me worry that they think it could be cancer :( x

Hello

so I had LETTZ 3 weeks ago this Tuesday 

that gets sent off and my results were back friday

originally they thought CIN 2-3 now it's come back CIN 2 

amd the HPV is obviously still there 

they said it was only a small area on my cervix that was affected 

I go back in 6 months for a check smear to clear and colposcopy 

pains still there Doctor's referring me for gynaecologist and a laposcopy where a camera goes in thru navel and looks round to check what's going on 

I also have an ultrasound booked for 2/3 weeks time 

try not to worry honest at least you r in the right place the system being checked xxx

Hi Molly May,

How did your meeting go?

I'm in the same position as you and have had a biopsy last week and the letter came today saying CIN 2-3. I need to go in for exact words 'our monthly meeting ' to discuss treatment options.  

This wording makes me think it may be worse too why monthly?  

Hope the outcome for you was okay and not what I'm thinking now too. 

Best wishes.

Hi all,

I remember when I was first diagnosed with HPV and abnormal cells (Both CIN2 and VAIN2) how worried and unsure I was. I checked so many forums but usually just saw more worry and stress - so I wanted to tell my story to help put other women at ease..

My case was extreme. After over 6 years involving 2 operations and numerous smears and colposcopies I can now say that I'm free of both CIN/VAIN and HPV and have gone back to the 3 yearly NHS screening.

HPV is SO common and can’t be stopped completely with any kind of contraception. Don’t feel bad that it’s happened to you. Chances are loads of your pals and family have had the same virus - in fact 80% of sexually active people worldwide have had it. Any CIN whether mild (CIN1), moderate (CIN2) or severe (CIN3) ISN’T cancer and the chances are it won't develop into cancer - and even if it does it can take YEARS to develop. See it as a positive thing, your doctor can do something NOW that will prevent you getting cancer in the future - how great is that?!

Yes, colposcopies are a little uncomfortable but they're fine really, only 15 minutes out of your life and the nurses and doctor will always put you at ease. If you're worried or the position is uncomfortable, tell them - they're there for you. I've had biopsies and a polyp removed and hardly felt both. If in the rare chance you have a bad experience you can ask to be referred to another hospital – it’s YOUR body.  If you have questions after any examination or result, call them. Don’t Google. They are the experts and have always been happy to take any of my calls.

My body took a while to fight the infection so I started taking vitamins to help it along. Leading up to my first normal (yay) smear result I took a good multivitamin every day and also daily capsules of green tea. I can't say that this definitely did the job but it seemed to work for me.

All really want to say is, don't get down about this, it's super common and how lucky are we that we live in a day and age where this (potential) disease can be stopped?! Go to your smears, go to your colposcopies, if you need treatment then fine, go for it. I've had treatment both under local and general anaesthetic and I will say go general if you can as you wake up with just a little cramping for a few days then all is back to normal. 

My case is a rare one as the cells returned after treatment and yours will likely be gone much quicker. There were times that I got upset or frustrated with yet another positive result or biopsy but I persevered and got there in the end. Take a loved one or pal with you to your examinations (to wait outside) and congratulate yourself after each one with a nice meal or glass of wine.

You’ve got this. Stick at it girl. Honestly, you’ll be so proud of yourself when you get that first all clear!