Before your visit
You have had an abnormal result from your cervical screening test. Cervical screening is designed to highlight minor changes before any problems develop, and almost certainly that is what the test has done for you.
You may be referred for an examination called Colposcopy, through direct access by your GP to the Jasmine Suite in the Women’s Unit on the 5th Floor.
For many women their abnormal result will show borderline changes or mild dyskaryosis. These are small changes which often return to normal by themselves. The areas of changed cells are known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia or CIN. Mild dyskaryosis is associated with the grade CIN1. These changes are not cancer, and in most cases do not lead to cancer in the future.
It is safe to give the small changes a chance to return to normal by themselves without having immediate treatment. If you have a test result showing borderline changes or mild dyskaryosis your doctor will usually ask you to return for a repeat screening test in around six months time.
For some women their result will show moderate or severe dyskaryosis. These areas of changed cells are associated with the grades CIN2 and CIN3.
Even with CIN2 and CIN3 grade changes it is unlikely that you have cancer. However, these changes are less likely to return to normal by themselves and usually require treatment.
To decide whether you need treatment a colposcopy examination will be carried out to investigate the cervix in detail. It is important that these changes are checked now, in case they become more serious in the future.
During your visit
Colposcopy is an intimate examination. Therefore you should feel comfortable with who you choose to accompany you, if they are going to be present while the test is being done. The Colposcopy nurse will help you to position yourself on a special type of couch. When you are lying comfortably the doctor/nurse colposcopist will gently insert a speculum into your vagina, just as when you had your smear test.
After this the Doctor/Nurse Colposcopist will examine your cervix using a Colposcope which is a magnifying lens with a bright light. It looks like a large pair of binoculars on a stand. It does not touch you or go inside you.
The examination usually lasts for ten minutes and may involve taking a small biopsy or a smear.
If everything appears normal, then you will be told about it at the end of the examination. However, if you have had a biopsy taken, you will have to wait for the results of this test which may take up to four weeks. Any further treatment will depend on this result. If you need a biopsy, you will need to wear a sanitary towel after the procedure. You can choose to bring your own.
After your visit
If you have had a simple Colposcopy without a biopsy being taken, you can resume normal activity soon after. At worst you may get a brownish discharge for a couple of days from the iodine used. If you have had to have a biopsy taken, then you will have a blood stained discharge for a few days. You should avoid all of the following for at least one week.
- Intercourse
- Using tampons
- Swimming
This is to allow the area to heal properly. There is no problem with you having a shower. You should also use your usual contraception until you hear about the biopsy results. This is because pregnancy can delay any further treatment that may be required.
If you have had treatment at your first visit, then you will be given specific instructions on the aftercare you need to follow, (please refer to the leaflet on loop diathermy excision). |