Abnormal smear and colposcopy

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PEACE OF MIND

Abnormal smear and colposcopy at The Gynae Centre

Quick, effective treatment when you need it

Around 1 in 20 women will receive an abnormal smear result. It’s completely normal to feel anxious if you’ve had a letter telling you your smear test results are abnormal. But what does it mean? Should you be worried? At The Gynae Centre we offer further investigation using colposcopy to look for abnormalities in the cells, and are able to provide the appropriate treatment, if any is required.

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WHY US?

Same day appointments

We understand that abnormal smear results can make you feel worried and anxious, so we offer same day appointments where possible.

Experienced consultants

At the Gynae Centre we have a range of gynaecologists with many years of experience to give you peace of mind.

SERVICES

How we can help you

We provide the full range of smear test-related services. Our team of caring nurses and consultants are skilled making patients comfortable.

A smear is obtained by gently scraping the outer part of the cervix which is nowadays dissolved in a preservative pot, where the cells are examined under a microscope for abnormalities.

Abnormal smear results usually create anxiety in patients, so we offer same day appointments. Where results show mild, moderate or severe abnormalities, it does not mean that you have cancer. They only indicate pre-cancerous abnormalities, which if left untreated can progress to cancer. We believe that all abnormalities should be investigated by a colposcopy as soon as possible.

Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix by the microscope. It is a simple procedure which involves inserting a speculum for an internal examination. A diluted solution of 5% acetic acid is applied and the cervix is examined for white areas. It is usually associated with the discomfort encountered during a smear test and takes only 5 minutes to complete. A biopsy may be taken from these areas (slightly more painful) and sent for further testing in the Laboratory. Although the consultant will be able to give you some idea, however the final outcome can only be obtained after the biopsy results.

Involves removing a small cone from the tip of the cervix by a hot wire loop. This may be done under local anaesthesia in the clinic or under general anaesthesia in the hospital. In either case there should be no pain during or after the procedure. It allows for removal of the abnormal area and histology so that we can ascertain the degree of abnormality. The cervix usually grows back to normal but slightly shorter within 6 weeks. You will require follow up after 6 months and once a year for life since a small percentage of women will have recurrence.

KNOWLEDGE

Abnormal smear and colposcopy at The Gynae Centre

Learn more about smear tests and results

Most countries offer the first cervical screen test as soon as you become sexually active. In the UK/NHS it is offered at the age of 25. The reason for this is that it is rare to develop cancer before the age of 25. Any changes in the cells and small abnormalities that are seen in women under 25 are usually normal and will tend to resolve themselves naturally. Over the age of 25, changes in the cervical cells are considered more serious.

At The Gynae Centre we follow the same policy, but we are happy to do the test for anyone under the age of 25 who requests it.

Most countries offer screens every 2-3 years. We recommend that you have one every 2 years.

Most, but not all of cervical cancer cells occur due to infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The HPV virus is sexually transmitted and is very common among teenagers and women in their early twenties. Most women will be clear of the virus within one year, but some do not manage to clear the virus, due to a poor immune system. These women are most at risk of developing abnormal cervical cells.

In the past few years two vaccines against HPV have been developed – Gardasil and Cervarix. These vaccines help to protect against “some” of the types of HPV. There are 90 types of HPV but only 12 are high risk for anogenital cancer. Gardasil gives 93% protection against HPV 6/11/16 and 18 responsible for genital warts and cervical cancer and Cervarix gives 99 % protection against HPV 16/18 responsible for cervical cancer. You will need to take 3 injections at 0, 1-2 and 6 months.

We cannot stress how important it is to consider these vaccines seriously before becoming sexually active or if you are sexually active.

No. Read our article What does an abnormal smear test mean? for a detailed explanation.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), also known as cervical dysplasia, is the potentially premalignant transformation and abnormal growth (dysplasia) of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. CIN is graded according to the size of the abnormality in the nucleous. CIN 1 may be kept under observation for up to 2 years since it may simply be due to infection with HPV virus. CIN 2 and CIN 3 are strongly precancerous and should be removed by Loop high frequency diathermy.

We have a whole host of useful information on our blog to help educate you about all aspects of smear tests, and hopefully put your mind at ease.

Here are a few articles that you may like to read:

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What our patients say...

Z & J
Thank you so much for all the advice, guidance and support over past month, and for making us feel so comfortable in our time at The Gynae Centre. You do extraordinary work and we will always be grateful.
Anna
I have been treated by the Gynae Centre for a few years now. The service I have received has always been very efficient and professional. The staff there are very friendly and helpful and the new surgery is lovely. I would recommend the Gynae Centre highly to anyone that is in need of the services provided there.
Luna
You went above and beyond your duty of care and were so kind an understanding towards me. You gave me the support, care, and reassurance I really needed. I will always be grateful to you for that.
Gina
Thank you so much for treating my vaginismus. Thank you for your knowledge and skills in a condition that is not widely known. I also want to thank nurse Jessica, I was very anxious the day before the procedure and she was so reassuring and comforting and really helped me. A great nurse!
Hannah
Thank you all for looking after me through my pregnancy termination and for caring for me so kindly. Kay, a special note of thanks – when I contacted the clinic I was so sad, vulnerable and devastated. I will never forget your kindness and compassion in getting my appointments organised. Forever grateful.
L
One year after having treatment for vaginismus I am enjoying pain-free sex and can use tampons. You really changed my life! I cannot thank you enough. I am the happiest I have ever been. When I have my babies I will name them Alex and Jessica after your lovely nurse! I wish I had the confidence to do this years ago as it really does work!
Liz
The care and support I received from Dr Eskander and his team was exemplary. I would not have made it through several years of IVF on either a physical or emotional level without them. Dr Eskander's clinical care and advice was important in my pregnancy being healthy and happy. More than this, Dr Eskander's kindness meant that I always felt respected and well treated throughout a very demanding period of my life. The nurses were very friendly and also skilled, and the overall service meant that I was able to get advice and make good decisions about the treatment I was receiving. My little boy was a team effort for which I am eternally grateful.
S&D
My husband and I had a 12 week Gender Scan with you last year and it was confirmed that after five boys we were finally having a little girl! We were so shocked we asked Dr Eskander to tell both of our mums over the phone as we didn't think they would believe us. It is absolutely amazing that you can tell at 12 weeks. We would like to thank Dr Eskander very very much.
Eva
I am currently a patient of Dr. Eskander and would highly recommend him. He is a knowledgeable, caring and highly experienced doctor who really looks after his patients. During each visit he has ensured I know exactly what is going on and made me feel relaxed and comfortable. He always discusses the results of the examination in detail and I have full confidence in his practice. I am very glad to have found The Gyane Centre.
Iris
Over all these years Dr. Eskander has seen me through two pregnancies and we have thereby formed the most memorably patient - doctor relationship I have ever experienced. He is the professional and passionate specialist I was looking for. He has never disappointed my 'German' expectations!
Tanya
Following a series of unhappy experiences under the NHS system when my gynaecological problems started, I found the Gynae Centre myself online and have been visiting Dr Eskander ever since. I feel totally at ease with Dr Eskander and crucially, my husband feels reassured that I am in good hands when I am in his care.
Nicola
I have been a patient of Dr Eskander since 2002. Over the years, I have been treated with the upmost courtesy and professionalism. All of the investigations and treatment I have received have been dealt with quickly and thoroughly to the highest standard in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere and at a time that has suited me. I have complete faith in Dr Eskander and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to friends and family as I know they will be in safe hands.
Marilyn
I have been a patient of Dr. Eskander since 2003. Throughout the years, I have found Dr. Eskander to be a caring and highly experienced doctor. On every occasion he took time to listen to my problem and was gentle and considerate during the examination. He always discussed the results of the examination in detail and the reason for any tests required to help in the diagnosis.
Mrs Y
I would like to thoroughly recommend Dr. Eskander, who has helped me so much when I experienced bleeding between periods and very heavy, painful periods. I felt completely at ease with him, totally reassured and very comfortable throughout the consultations and examinations. I felt very safe in the knowledge of his expertise and skills.
O & O
Our experience really could not have been better. Dr Aka was completely de-stigmatising, warm, informative and gentle. I felt beautifully taken care of and was so grateful yesterday for the little pack with all the clear information. The lovely nurse was also absolutely sweet and calming. We just wanted to say thank you for making such a miserable and painful experience tolerable. We didn’t really know what to expect but it certainly wasn’t to be treated with such unquestioning kindness and dignity.