What does it mean if your smear test results are abnormal?
If you have an abnormal smear test result, this does not mean you have cancer. Instead, you have some changes in the cells of your cervix. Depending on how abnormal these changes are, there is a potential for these cells to develop into cancer in the future.
Some types of abnormal result will not need treatment, whereas others may require follow-up tests and treatment. It depends on the type of result you get:
Low grade changes – these involve minor changes to the cells in your cervix. It has been shown that around half of low-grade and borderline changes return to normal without treatment, so for these types of changes your doctor will usually recommend a HPV test rather than treatment. If the test shows a high risk of HPV, you’ll need a colposcopy to investigate further.
High-grade changes – this can involve from 2/3 to all of the lining of the cervix having abnormal cells. If left untreated, these cells have a high potential to turn into cancer. Therefore, if high-grade changes are detected you’ll be invited to have a colposcopy for further investigation and treatment.
How are abnormal cells treated?
There are a number of ways to treat abnormal cells in the cervix, depending on where they are and the type of abnormal cells you have. The main treatments include:
- Cone biopsy – this is a procedure performed under general anaesthetic and involves removing a cone of tissue from your cervix to take away the abnormal cells
- Cryotherapy – this involves using a cold probe to freeze and kill the abnormal cells
- Laser ablation – this is a targeted treatment which is aimed at the abnormal cells to kill them
- LLETZ procedure – this is a procedure performed under local anaesthetic and involves a small electrified wire which is used to cut away abnormal tissue
Generally, these treatments will not have an effect on your fertility, and you should be able to return to work after a couple of days. Treatment is in most cases highly effective, and should remove all of the abnormal cells. Recurrence rates for abnormal cervical cells are around 5-15%.
01-04-2019 04-10-2023Неправильный мазок
What does it mean if your smear test results are abnormal?
If you have an abnormal smear test result, this does not mean you have cancer. Instead, you have some changes in the cells of your cervix. Depending on how abnormal these changes are, there is a potential for these cells to develop into cancer in the future.
Some types of abnormal result will not need treatment, whereas others may require follow-up tests and treatment. It depends on the type of result you get:
Low grade changes – these involve minor changes to the cells in your cervix. It has been shown that around half of low-grade and borderline changes return to normal without treatment, so for these types of changes your doctor will usually recommend a HPV test rather than treatment. If the test shows a high risk of HPV, you’ll need a colposcopy to investigate further.
High-grade changes – this can involve from 2/3 to all of the lining of the cervix having abnormal cells. If left untreated, these cells have a high potential to turn into cancer. Therefore, if high-grade changes are detected you’ll be invited to have a colposcopy for further investigation and treatment.
How are abnormal cells treated?
There are a number of ways to treat abnormal cells in the cervix, depending on where they are and the type of abnormal cells you have. The main treatments include:
- Cone biopsy – this is a procedure performed under general anaesthetic and involves removing a cone of tissue from your cervix to take away the abnormal cells
- Cryotherapy – this involves using a cold probe to freeze and kill the abnormal cells
- Laser ablation – this is a targeted treatment which is aimed at the abnormal cells to kill them
- LLETZ procedure – this is a procedure performed under local anaesthetic and involves a small electrified wire which is used to cut away abnormal tissue
Generally, these treatments will not have an effect on your fertility, and you should be able to return to work after a couple of days. Treatment is in most cases highly effective, and should remove all of the abnormal cells. Recurrence rates for abnormal cervical cells are around 5-15%.
Ask an expert: What does an abnormal smear test result mean?
Por Mr Hisham Abouzeid
2025-02-05
Revered consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Mr Hisham Abouzeid offers reassurance on abnormal smear test results, including what they indicate and the next steps for patients. подробнее
Abnormal smear and HPV: what you need to know
Por Miss Avni Batish
2025-02-05
Cervical health is a vital aspect of overall well-being for women, and regular screenings play a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of potential issues. Two key terms often discussed in this context are "abnormal smear" and "HPV" (Human Papillomavirus). Leading consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Miss Avni Batish explains the connection between abnormal smears and HPV and the steps you can take to maintain your cervical health. подробнее
Why is my smear test result abnormal?
Por Dr Shahla Ahmed
2025-02-04
Receiving an abnormal smear test result can be worrying. In this article, expert in abnormal smear test results, consultant gynaecologist Dr Shahla Ahmed explains the science behind an abnormal test result and offers a guide to the next steps. подробнее
What does an abnormal smear mean?
Por Mr Stewart Disu
2025-02-02
If you've had a smear test and have been told the results are abnormal, understandably you're going to feel worried and nervous. We've asked our leading gynaecologist Mr Stewart Disu to explain what this could possibly mean and the likeliness of having developed cervical cancer. подробнее
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ObGyn Matters London
ObGyn Matters London
The Portland Hospital, 212 Great Portland Street, W1W 5QN
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London Gynaecology - The Portland Hospital
London Gynaecology - The Portland Hospital
212 Great Portland Street London W1W 5QN
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The Wilmslow Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
The Wilmslow Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
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ObGyn Matters London
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London Gynaecology - The Portland Hospital
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The Wilmslow Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
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