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.
Credits: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust⠀⠀