Smear Test

consultant31

I know how frightened you must be as this happened to me a couple of years ago. I had a retest which also came up abnormal and I was terrified.

The nurse told me that it can often be the result of not getting a large enough sample or of any number of other silly things.

It didn't much help at the time, but it did turn out to be nothing at all, which is, apparently, the most usual thing to happen.

Good luck and try not to worry too much

the_geary

Paparika wrote: »

Try not to stress out and think that there is something wrong.

There might be or might not be, but you seem to be getting upset over it which will upset the body balance.

You know you'll have to do another smear today, and god forbid if the worse comes to it, i've had 2 aunts both under 50 who have had cervical cancer and both successful with treatment.

This is based on info from experience of working in a screening lab BUT is NOT medical advice. The GP may not necessarily do another smear test if the last one was only 2 months ago. One of the reasons that a repeat in 6 months is asked for by the lab is to give the body time to settle itself down.
Many of the low grade abnormalities - borderline changes and mild dyskaryosis are caused by HPV infections which the body's immune system can deal with, given time. The changes that are seen under the microscope reflect the effect the virus has on the cervical cells. It is often cleared by the body by 18 months (that's why the repeat tests are spread out over an 18 month period) and may not need any treatment.
The higher grade abnormalities develop when the HPV infection doesn't clear and tinkers with the cervical cells' DNA. This is why anyone whose tests are low grade abnormal on 2 or 3 times, or are higher grade abnormalities are usually referred for further check-ups.
Generally, if someone has other symptoms such as bleeding or discharge, then as others have said trying to work out what's causing it e.g. by taking a swab to check for infections not a smear test *might* be more appropriate.
Another cause of bleeding is when there's an wide and/or inflamed ectropian on the cervix. The surface can be quite thin in this area and has blood vessels close underneath which can be prone to contact bleeding. This can be cauterised at colposcopy.
Check out the link in my signature for more cervical screening programme info. Hope the GP can put your mind at rest and help work out what's causing your problem.

the_geary

becky2812 wrote: »

regarding the STI check, according to my GP, most smear tests now include a quick check for chlamydia too.

.

Generally most cytology labs aren't testing for chlamydia (we don't do it routinely in the lab I work in), the examination is that of looking at the cervical cells under the microscope. With liquid based tests, the sample can also be used for chlamydia testing by the microbiology lab but its a separate test to the Pap test.
Info on HPV
Screening programme

Chlamydia screening programme the sample they use seems to be either urine or a swab

HTH

melancholly

i thought you have to wait 6 months for the cells to grow back - i always have at least one (often more!) recalls because they get a bad sample (i try not to dwell on that too much).

hope the appt with the GP was/is ok and sets your mind at ease x

bright_side

scottish_lassy wrote: »

I have a family member who had an abnormanl smear and didn't go back for a 6 month check. Anyway her next smear 4 years later was again abnormal and she has just had very minor treatment for CIN1 cells. So that shows that even with 4 years gap didn't do too much harm so I would think you are OK as you have had a check so recently. Although, it is always better to get things checked - even just for your peace of mind - as your imagination will always think the worst!!! Good luck

Your family member was very lucky that her abnormal cells developed slowly. Not wanting to alarm anyone but I had CIN III after my first abnormal smear - easily treated and follow up smears have been fine. However had I not attended when I was advised to, it could have been a different story.

the_geary

melancholly wrote: »

i thought you have to wait 6 months for the cells to grow back - i always have at least one (often more!) recalls because they get a bad sample (i try not to dwell on that too much).

Recalls can be for different reasons:

Early recall ~ around 1-3 months due to inadequate sample. The sample can sometimes be difficult to read for various reasons. When the sample is examined we need to be able to see the cells clearly to interpret what they're doing and also be enough of them there to make a decision on.
Nos 1-3 occur much less due to the introduction of liquid based cytology. In most areas the inadequate rate has dropped from around 10% to 2-3%

1. immune cells covering up the cervical cells,
2. blood in the way
3. not enough cells in the sample
4. technical problems such as the sample leaking or a problem with processing
5. use of incorrect lubricant which can interfere with the processing of the sample

The 6 and 12 month recalls for abnormals are as per my earlier post.
If you have a dig around the screening website, there's a publication which gives all the different recall permutations.

amylou8

Thank you for all of your posts and for taking the time to reply to me. I went to the doctors and he was really good, I have to hve a blood test on Monday and an internal examination with the nurse on Tuesday and then we are going to go from there. I feel happier that they didn't fob me off, will keep you all posted. xx

belfastgirl23

Good for you, will keep everything crossed for you next week