HPV Colposcopy Cervical screening

Positive HPV test result

Abnormal Cytology / Smear test result

Irregular bleeding / Bleeding during or after sex

Bleeding in between periods

You felt or GP/ Nurse suggested that your cervix looks or feels abnormal

Previous history of abnormal smear / HPV / Loop and you like to have a review

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a common virus.

It is responsible for cancer of:

Cervix

Anal Canal (back passage)

Vulva

Vagina

Throat and lining of mouth

We know of over 200 types of HPV and around 40 of them are related to Genital Infections. 8 in 10 of us get HPV at some point in our lives. In most cases, our immune system gets rid of HPV within 2 years without it causing any problems.

There 17 types of High Risk HPV that are responsible for Lower Genital tract Pre cancer and Cancer. Five of them are more common than others.

What is abnormal Smear?

If your HPV test result is positive or you are having health check up this test is usually done as co testing. The report tells us about the extent of abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. The accuracy of this test varies in different Laboratories / regions / countries.

Though it is not a reliable way to testing cervical pre cancer / cancer – but provides important information about the nature of abnormal changes.

Types of changes are 1. Borderline Abnormal 2. LSIL (Low grade dyskaryosis and Moderate Dyskaryosis) 3. HSIL (High Grade Dyskaryosis 4. Abnormal Glandular Cells 5 Suspected cancer cells etc.

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is an examination to take a closer look at your cervix. A specially trained and certified consultant conducts the examination.

Colposcopy is used to both diagnose and treat cell changes (abnormal cells). If you need treatment, you may be invited to a separate appointment for treatment.

Colposcopy helps identify whether cell changes need treatment to stop this happening.

You do not need special preparation. In the 24 hours before the appointment, they should avoid having sex or using anything inside the vagina. That includes medications, lubricants, tampons and menstrual cups

This can be done during or after period or during pregnancy.

Examination time is usually 7-8 minutes. If you need biopsy it may take up to 15 minutes.

Why do I need Punch Biopsy?

If you need a biopsy, Consultant will explain this to you before you have one. Some people find it uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. A tiny sample of tissue (smaller than a grain of rice) is taken from your cervix. Sample (s) is then send the tissue to a laboratory for testing.

If you're nervous about having a biopsy, it's sometimes possible to have the area numbed (local anaesthetic).

What is CIN 1, CIN 2, CIN 3?

CIN stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia affecting squamous cells (flat cells) on the skin of the cervix. It is important to know that CIN is not cervical cancer. CIN may be monitored or treated, depending on the grade and your personal situation.

CIN is graded from 1 to 3. The number shows how deep the cell changes go into the outer surface of the cervix. Sometimes, the terms low grade or high grade are also used.

CIN 1 (Low Grade)

Cell changes are one-third deep into the outer surface of the cervix. It is usually monitored with repeat colposcopy / smear/ HPV tests. If it is persistent for long time then can be treated.

CIN2 (High Grade)

Cell changes are two-third (2/3) deep into the outer surface of the cervix.

CIN2 can be either monitored or treated. Our Consultants will make a recommendation based on your personal situation and preference.

CIN3 (High Grade)

Cell changes are the full depth of the outer surface of the cervix. CIN3 is recommended to be treated as there is high risk of progression to Cancer

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