Abnormal Cervical Screening Test Results

#GynaecologicalCancerAwarenessMonth
  You have finally heeded the call and got your Cervical Screening test done. You get your results and it says “Abnormal test result". You start to panic.⠀

⠀
 Although a diagnosis of a cervical abnormality can be worrisome, there is no cause to be alarmed. We share some facts about abnormal screening test results and what steps to take.⠀

⠀

SOME FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL ABNORMALITIES.⠀
  • Cervical abnormalities form in the cells of the cervix (the area that connects the uterus and vagina)⠀
  • Almost all cases of high grade cervical changes are caused by a common virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV)⠀
 
  TYPES OF ABNORMAL SCREENING RESULTS⠀
  • A borderline result indicates slight abnormalities ⠀
  • Low grade dyskaryosis indicates mild cell changes ⠀
  • High grade dyskaryosis indicates moderate or severe cell changes ⠀
  • Glandular cell changes indicates abnormal cells in the cervical canal.

⠀
  FURTHER TESTS⠀
  • If you have received an abnormal result you may have to do a colposcopy. ⠀
 
  • Colposcopy is simply a more detailed look at the cervix using a microscope.⠀
 
  • The microscope stays outside your body. All that goes inside is the speculum, the same instrument used during your cervical screening.
  ⠀
  • You may need treatment to remove the abnormal cells, your clinician will advice you about this. ⠀
 
  TREATMENT FOR ABNORMAL CELLS⠀
  The treatment for abnormal cells depends on how advanced the changes to the cells are. Remember, UNTREATED cervical abnormalities caused by HPV may over time develop into Cervical Cancer. ⠀
 
  Have you had an abnormal cervical screening test result? What treatment did you have?
 
 Share this post with the women you care about. You may be saving a life.⠀
 Credits: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust⠀⠀