Abnormal Smears
Cervical smears are not a test for diagnosing cervical cancer. It is a test to check the health of the cervix, which the lower part of the womb. All women are offered cervical screening between the ages of 25 and 64.
Generally an abnormal smear indicates that some small changes have been found on the cervix. These abnormal changes are known as dyskaryosis and can act as early warning signs that cancer may develop in the future.
Regular cervical screening is the best way to detect changes to the cervix early. Early detection and treatment can prevent cancer developing in around 75% of cases, but it does not prevent every case. This is why when your smear indicates that we need to see you in colposcopy, it is important that you attend so we can assess your cervix.
Different Types of Smears.
▫ Inadequate smears – these are not abnormal smears. It basically means that the two types of cells needed to be seen to call your smear normal, are not present. If you have an inadequate smear then it should be repeated in 3 months. If repeated sooner it may make the result unreliable.
▫ Borderline/mild dyskaryosis means that only a few cells are mildly abnormal. These may be left to return to normal or may be treated.
▫ Moderate dyskaryosis means that more cells are abnormal, treatment will usually be needed to return the cells to normal. The changes can also be called pre-cancerous.
▫ Severe dyskaryosis means that cells are significantly abnormal. Treatment will be needed to return the cells to normal. These are also called pre-cancerous changes.
▫ Glandular changes means that there may be some abnormal cells within the birth canal, treatment may be needed.
Generally an abnormal smear indicates that some small changes have been found on the cervix. These abnormal changes are known as dyskaryosis and can act as early warning signs that cancer may develop in the future.
Regular cervical screening is the best way to detect changes to the cervix early. Early detection and treatment can prevent cancer developing in around 75% of cases, but it does not prevent every case. This is why when your smear indicates that we need to see you in colposcopy, it is important that you attend so we can assess your cervix.
Different Types of Smears.
▫ Inadequate smears – these are not abnormal smears. It basically means that the two types of cells needed to be seen to call your smear normal, are not present. If you have an inadequate smear then it should be repeated in 3 months. If repeated sooner it may make the result unreliable.
▫ Borderline/mild dyskaryosis means that only a few cells are mildly abnormal. These may be left to return to normal or may be treated.
▫ Moderate dyskaryosis means that more cells are abnormal, treatment will usually be needed to return the cells to normal. The changes can also be called pre-cancerous.
▫ Severe dyskaryosis means that cells are significantly abnormal. Treatment will be needed to return the cells to normal. These are also called pre-cancerous changes.
▫ Glandular changes means that there may be some abnormal cells within the birth canal, treatment may be needed.