Abnormal smear test

[jackie76]

I had my first smear test a few weeks ago, got my result this morning, and it shows up as abnormal. The thing is I lost my virginity very late, and have only actually had sex twice. Based on this, I'm very worried about the result. How usual is it to get an abnormal result from a first test?

[Sqad]

It´s not unusual.

[jackie76]

Really? Because at the moment, I'm worried sick.

[China Doll]

I had an abnormal one last year (I think it was)... Anyway, there's different degrees of 'abnormal' and in my case it just meant that I had to have a repeat smear in six months time which was normal.

No point worrying until you have all the information although that's easier said than done. Book appt with nurse to discuss your results and what the intended plan is.

[jackie76]

I have to have a repeat test in about six months. I guess I just took for granted that my first test would be fine.

[China Doll]

Well that's the same as me then which means it was only very slightly abnormal.

http://www.cancerhelp...-cervical-cells#after

You can either spend the next six months worrying yourself silly or you can crack on and take some reassurance that it's been noted, the docs are on it and chances are it'll all be ok. Again, easier said than done.

[ummmm]

I've never had one come back as 'normal'

They just re-do the test. Don't worry.

[woofgang]

I have had 3 abnormal tests over my adult life (I am 56) every time it was fine. The nurse who does mine who I know well, says that often its because the sample is insufficient.

[Ric.ror]

You know it could be just one cell with a little mucas on and that would show up. Thats what my gyno told me.
Think about it - if it was would they make you wait six months!!

[rowanwitch]

Thats the most important thing call back for serious abnormalities or even suspicious ones is usually about 2 weeks .....
Its like breast screening Ive had a double call back...had a month of being terrified and it was nothing

[jackie76]

Thanks for your answers everyone, I feel a little better than I did when I opened the letter :-)

[woofgang]

Mm I had a come asap on my last mammogram...turns out they hadn't compressed my breast enough resulting in a spurious shadow...for the week between the call and the appointment, i didn't need laxatives that's for sure

[catcuddler2]

jackie exactly the same thing happened to me
my first smear came back as abnormal and i too was terrified
i went for a colposcopy which is bascially a more intense smear with a camera pointed at your ladygarden but doesnt touch you
i went every 6 months for a colposcopy and my changes went from moderate to mild to borderline
as this had been going on for 4 years they decided to laser the cells off

althought this wasnt a nice procedure its only on par with an injection at the dentist and having a filling or a tooth pulled
i had the cells lasered in jan 2007 and since then i have been fine but have 2 have yearly smears for 10 years

i hope this helps to put yuour mind at rest as i know i was terrified but theres a hube chance you wille either find your cells will go back to normal or you will need some lasering

i know you are probably worried about the big c but i am still here 3 and a half years later so try not to worry too much about it
let us know how you get on
wishing you all the best
xxx

[catcuddler2]

sorry that should have been your and huge

[boxtops]

jackie, if you have been called back in six months, they want to keep an eye on you. There can be a number of reasons why a result is abnormal - rest assured that these days, if they had spotted something which needed urgent attention, they would call you back straight away for further investigation. Why don't you make an appointment to go and see your GP or practice nurse, and ask them to talk you through the result? They can explain to you what the lab has reported. You don't want to be worrying yourself over the next six months - they will have a copy of the lab report to go on your records and they will understand the clinical implications. Do go see the doctor or nurse, don't delay, set your mind more at rest by finding out what it means.

[sara3]

jackie, some abnormal cells will right themselves, so they'll see you in 6 months to check the situation. don't panic!

[4getmenot]

my first was abnormal but only because they hadnt taken it properly. Another one in 6 months?? Really? Usually they get you back quite quick

[Barmaid]

jackie, if there was anything wrong, it wouldn't be "see you in 6 months", trust me. I had a quite abnormal smear about 15 years ago. I was in like a shot. OK, in the event it was just a pre cancerous condition (not an actual cancerous one, just one that can lead to cancer). Everything was fine after the colposopy (or whatever it was). If they were really worried, they would have you in, no question. As they have said "see you in 6 months" it is as sqad would say "no big deal" (I say that in the nicest possible way and not meaning to demean your worry but there are degrees of "abnormal" smear tests.) Please don't worry.

[WILLWONKER]

Hi Jackie, don't worry, my daughter had 3 or 4 abnormal, its good they have found you abnormal its when they don't, you can have problems in later life. oh and my D is clear now. OK

[jackie76]

Thank you all for your advice. I know I shouldn't worry, and I'm trying not to. Without going into too many details, my sister has had several abnormal smears, and has told me exactly the same as all of you. Don't worry! I may make an appointment to see my GP about my test though, just to help put my mind at rest.
Once again, thank you :-)

[jackie76]

Well, I saw my GP yesterday about the result, and he said the cells they tested weren't pre-cancerous, but were irregular shapes and I shouldn't worry because more than likely my next test will be absolutely fine.