Colposcopy

I have received a letter regarding my smear test it says I am HPV Positive and have borderline cell changes. I am nearly 47 and this is the first time my smear has been abnormal. They referred me on 17th February for a colposcopy I haven't heart heard anymore so I called the hospital and they said I have been put on a waiting list and my appointment won't be until April maybe May. Do you think this is a long time to wait? I know when I have found breast lumps I have been seen within 2 weeks...

  • Hello S-J,

    Waiting times can differ for all sorts of reasons, but hopefully you'll get a date for your appoitntment soon. You can read about the colposcopy test here and possible next steps after cervical screening results here, which I hope will help you feel more informed. Try not to worry. Whether you're waiting for appointments or results, these tips here can be useful.

    Best wishes to you,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hi last year I had my first abnormal smear at the age of 51 also got HPV. I got my letter last November, but had to wait until mid January for colposcopy. Think its likely the changes thats shown up are small like mine, so they can be pretty confident its not cancer. I also had a breast lump a few years ago and was seen really quickly, but I suppose with that they have nothing else to go on other than a lump which is always treated with suspicion. The colposcopy was easy and I had been a nervous wreck before it, but it really doesn't hurt,mind you I took 2 painkillers 1 hour before as they advise just in case. Doctor told me there and then its not cancer. I did have a biopsy but after waiting just over 2 weeks my letter came and all good. The ladies who do the colposcopy were so so lovely very reassuring and its over quickly. Good luck.

  • Thank you for your reply, glad yours was all o.k ️