Abnormal Smear and Colposcopy, Biopsy
What does an abnormal Pap smear result mean?
An abnormal Pap smear result means that some cells from your
cervix looked different from normal cells. This occurs in
around 1 in 10 Pap smears.
It is natural to feel anxious or worried if you have just
found out that your Pap smear result is abnormal, however
less than one per cent of abnormalities are cancer.
Low grade abnormalities result from slight changes in the
cells of the cervix, which may be the result of a mild
infection such as thrush or HPV.
HPV is present in 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases.
However, not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer.
Most women don’t know they have HPV until they receive an
abnormal Pap smear result. For most women the virus clears
naturally in one to two years. However, in some cases HPV
may take longer to clear from the body, increasing the risk
of developing cervical cancer.
If you have a low grade abnormality and your previous Pap
smears were normal, your doctor will ask you to come back
for a repeat Pap smear in one year. This allows time for the
body to naturally clear the HPV infection. If the repeat Pap
smear result is abnormal you will be referred to a
specialist for further investigation, called a colposcopy.
The specialist uses a colposcope toget a magnified view of
the cervix, to check the extent and nature of any
abnormalities.
High grade abnormalities can result from more severe changes
to the surface layers of the cervix. If leftuntreated they
have a greater chance of developing into cervical cancer.
It usually takes at least 10 years before high grade
abnormalities develop into cervical cancer. If you have a
high grade abnormality your doctor will refer you to a
specialist for further investigations and treatment.
How will I know when to have my next Pap smear?
Most doctors have an established recall system to notify you
when your next Pap smear is due. Most state health
departments have established Pap smear registries that
provide a safety net recall system although you can opt out.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, please
contact your doctor.
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix, using a
microscope called a colposcope.
The colposcope looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand.
It may have a camera attached so that you can see your
cervix on a screen. A colposcope magnifies the cervix and
vaginal wall so that any abnormal cells can be seen.
Why you need colposcopy
If you have had an abnormal cervical smear test result, you
will have been advised to have colposcopy.
Abnormal cell changes often return to normal on their own.
In a small number of cases, abnormal cells can develop into
cervical cancer if they are not treated.
Your colposcopy appointment
If you have to change the time of your appointment for any
reason, eg, you think you will be having your period on the
day of your appointment, please phone the clinic as soon as
possible.
At the colposcopy clinic
The doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your health.
They will also want to know the first day of your last
period. This is a good time for you to ask questions. You
will then have colposcopy
