Over-production of cells (smear)

[1977Nicky]

I have just come back from the hospital after a cervical examination following 3 inadequate smear tests. The nurse said that there was an area of concern where the cells were reproducing too quickly, so she took a biopsy and said the results would be with me in 4 weeks but it was likely I would have to come back in and have these "extra?" cells removed.

You know what it's like after you leave these places, you think of a million questions! Unfortunatley my workplace will not allow me to surf the net trying to find answers so I am quickly typing this question in the hope that someone has some experience of this!

What causes "extra" cells? Is it dangerous? Are these pre-cancerous cells? (The nurse said "The good news is you don't have cancer - freaked me out a bit as this was the 1st time the C word was mentioned!)Are there any long term implications? Will it affect my fertility? If I have to have them removed, is this an operation? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you

[Hamish]

I am not a cell biologist, but as I have understood this sort of thing from collegues, cell reproduction is a complex thing. In order for it to be cancer they would need to be in a certian state. It seems likely that thay have found some cells wich, if left, may, or may not become cancerous. Growths occour all the time, not all of them are cancerous. It will be better however to have the cells removed incase the did become cancerous. I dont know for certian, but I would expect that the affected cells are in the upper layers of the tissue in the cervix and therefore could be removed without a general anasthetic. There might be a local though, possibly a epidural.

[charliebaps]

don't panic. i have 2 friends that always have ambiguous results and have to go back twice to be told everythings fine! over production of cells can mean extra tests but when you go back have a list of questions with you to put your mind at rest. one of my friends was told the same as you and now has a happy child so don't worry.

[1977Nicky]

Thanks guys, am not panicking - just wish I had asked more questions when I was there! I am certainly not going to worry about it for 4 weeks, and if I do have to have them removed I am sure that will be the end of it, is just a bit of a pain (literally)! Rather that though then let it develop into anything else!

[alijangra]

when cells replicate out of control, cancer may be the end result. They can tell by examining which type of cells it is whether it will develop into cancer. Obviously the cell type found is nothing to worry about but they always recommend having them removed, its not painless but not too bad either! Both my sister and best friend have had this done and both have had lovely, healthy children since. Dont worry too much, its a very common procedure.

[Englishbird]

I've had colposcopy done, which is lazering off the area of 'cell abnormality'. I was absolutely terrified, and rather tearful as I hate even having smears! but it was actually not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. The staff are lovely as they know how worried everyone is, hundreds of women have this done and it's done precisesly to stop cervical cancer. If all of us who had abnormal smears were left to our own devices, still only a small proportion would go on to develop cancer, but I see this treatment as more of a 'rather be safe than sorry' Although it's still not pleasant, it's just like having a smear.... if slightly less uncomfortable because you get local anasthetic.

it has no effect on fertility. I was soooo worried about it, and I really didn't need to have been. good luck, all will be fine x