Hi Pickycow2018

Around 6 out of 100 women (6%) have an abnormal result after a cervical screening test. It means that there are some changes to the cells on the cervix. These changes are not cancer. The cells often go back to normal by themselves. But in some women, if not treated, these changes could develop into cancer in the future. 

Abnormal results can be reported in 2 different ways. You are most likely to be told you have:

- borderline or mild cell changes (also called low grade dyskaryosis)

- moderate or severe cell changes (also called high grade dyskaryosis)

It is very rare for an abnormal result to show that a cancer has already developed, especially if you have been having regular screening.

If you have moderate changes, you will be given an appointment at the colposcopy clinic. This is to have a closer look at your cervix.

The doctor or specialist nurse takes a sample of cells (a biopsy) from the abnormal area. They may ask you to go back for treatment depending on the result of the biopsy. Or in some clinics, they may offer you treatment at the same time as the colposcopy. 

You usually only need treatment once. Then you have follow up tests to check that the treatment has worked. 

If you have an abnormal test and have treatment you're very unlikely to get cervical cancer if you continue to have screening. If you don't have treatment, you are at risk of getting cervical cancer in the future. You can read more on our website here. 

If you'd like to speak to one of our team of nurses for reassurnace or about any other questions you have then do give them a call on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). 

I hope this helps. 

Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi, 

There's no treatment for HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause any problems and are cleared by your body within 2 years. 

There's lots of really useful information about HPV on the Jo's Trust website which I'm linking for you here. 

You might also find it helpful to connect with another new member this afternoon [@Lauren123456]‍ who has posted here and is the same situation as you. 

Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator