1. Your Results
The cervical smear test can pick up changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb], before any problems develop. The earlier cell changes are found the easier they are to treat.
The majority of smear results are normal. Even a result that is not normal is unlikely to mean that you have cancer. There is a 1 in 10 chance that a smear result will mean having a repeat smear. Do not be alarmed if you are recalled. It couid be an infection or minor cell changes that may or may not require treatment.
2. Not normal results
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) is the name given to abnormal cells on the cervix. CIN can be described as CIN 1, CIN 2 and CIN 3 which means mild, moderate and severe changes are present.
Dyskaryosis is another term used to describe changes to the cervical cells. They can be mild dyskaryosis, moderate dyskaryosis or severe dyskaryosis.
If you have any queries about your result you should contact your Smeartaker (the person who took your smear).
3. When should I have my next smear?
Your Smeartaker will advise you when to have your next smear.
If you have any unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge do not wait for your smear test, contact your doctor immediately.
The best time to have your smear test is mid-cycle, about 2 weeks after your period (if you are having periods).
It is best not to have sexual intercourse in the24 hours before your smear test.
| Result |
What does this mean? |
What should I do? |
No Abnormality Detected |
The cervical cells appear to be normal. |
If this is your first ever srneai recommended that you have another in 12 months otherwise have your next smear in 5 years. |
Unsatisfactory or inadequate
or
Broken of damaged slide |
The laboratory can not read the smear.
There may not have been enoirgh cells collected or there may have been blood or pus cells present. About 1 in 10 smears are inadequate |
You will be advised to have a repeat smear test straight away. Your Smeartaker will advise if you need treatment. |
Not Normal Result
There are different categories of
change: |
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common wart virus. HPV can cause cell changes. These may simply disappear with time. |
You will be advised to have a repeat smear test in 6 months to check the cells again.
|
Mild: There are some minor changes. These will often return i.o normal on their own. They do not mean that you have cancer. |
You will be advised to have a repeat smear test in 6 months to check the cells again. If the change persists you may be referred for specialist investigation. |
Moderate to Severe Changes: These changes in the cells are less likely to return to normal by themselves and require investigation. |
You will be referred for a further examination called colposcopy to decide whether you need further treatment. |
