ABNORMAL SMEARS 

News of an abnormal smear test result can, understandably, cause alarm and distress – but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer, or that you will develop cancer in the future. (See PROCEDURES: PAP SMEAR)

A smear test detects the presence of any unusual cells that indicate change to the cervix. In the case of a mildly abnormal smear test, these changes often stop naturally without further treatment, your cervix returns back to normal and your subsequent smear tests will be clear.

In other cases, your treatment will depend on the degree of abnormality your test has shown (See PROCEDURES: COLPOSCOPY and CONDITIONS: CERVICAL DYSPLASIA)

Dr Heron will ensure you have clear and honest answers to all your questions, and accurate knowledge and information to put your mind at rest. Usually, before he recommends further treatment, he will carry out a repeat test within a number of months to see if any changes such as those discussed above have come to a halt, and to see if the unusual cells are still no longer present.