Borderline changes in wifes smear, should I be worried?

quantumleap

Hello there,

My wife got a text yesterday from her GP's surgery to say that her recent smear test showed "borderline changes" but that the lab were happy for her her retest in 12 months. Now, wife tells me not to worry - but I do!

I mean sending a text is so impersonal and just doesn't seem appropriate. Surely her GP should at least explain why she shouldn't be concerned.

Is it really nothing to be concerned about and is waiting a year sensible?

arbrighton

Text of results for tests now is fairly standard, she can always make an appt with GP to discuss it if she wishes.

Remember it is her body and her health though

quantumleap

Thanks for the reply. I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say to remember it is her body and her health.

suki1964

Smear tests often show borderline changes and no further follow up is required. Often it's all down to the time of month the smear was done. I've often had that result and the next comes back as normal

If your wife isn't worried then try not to worry yourself

belisha-beacon

I wouldn't worry - I can see how 'borderline changes' could sound like 'on the border of cancer' but it really doesn't. Often this can be due to an infection or anything like that, and they can just go back to normal by themselves. Just make sure that she's aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer, and if she gets any of them then she should go to the GP as she normally would if she got those symptoms.

I would prefer a text in that situation, because if the doctor called me in and said "You have borderline changes" I'd be really scared and think it was a massive thing! Getting the text shows it's just something to keep an eye on.

The Cancer Research UK site has some good info: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/cervical-cancer/about/cervical-cancer-screening In particular, the bit about "If you have an abnormal result" and "If you have mild cell changes" explains what would happen depending on which bit of the UK you're in.

As with anything like this, if she has concerns perhaps she could ring her practice nurse or her GP?

heartbreak_star

If I am recalling correctly, borderline changes can actually correct themselves.

Any changes at all are very slow, hence the year's wait, but as standard testing is three years apart they are keeping an eye on her

If you are really worried though, why don't you both book a chat to talk to her GP? Or the practise nurse?

Lots of good wishes,

HBS x

Rambosmum

I had this a few years ago. Due to where I am in the country they also tested for the HPV virus- the strains that cause cervical cancer, which came back positive and so they used laser ablation to remove the effected areas. Had I not shown positive for the HPV they wouldn't have done anything. I then had yearly smears for 5 years, I am now back to every 3 years, having just had my last one, all were normal.

I can be really scary, it was for me, but once you do a bit of research it will actually set your mind at rest, unlike most internet research on diseases!

quantumleap

Many thanks folks, I appreciate the replies.

Gigervamp

You can get more information from Jo's Trust which is charity for those affected by cervical cancer.

PurplePow

A lot of people have borderline changes. My first ever smear test was on the 'slightly' abormal side so I had to test again in 6 months, then every 12 months for a couple of years and all the following tests were normal.

McKneff

If there had been anything to worry about, 2 things would have happened.


Someone from the surgery would have telephoned.


She would have been called for a retest immediately.


So stop worrying.