Abnormal Smears, Colposcopy and HPV Vaccination
It has now been established that almost all cancers of the cervix are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a common viral infection which can be passed on during sex. There are more than 80 HPV viruses, a few of which are associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. In most cases, HPV clears up by itself. However, in rare cases, if the virus persists and is left undetected, it can lead to cervical cancer.
Regular smear tests can detect abnormal cell changes caused by HPV, which can then be monitored and/or treated to prevent cancer.
Abnormal Smears
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early changes in the cervix (neck of the womb). It is a screening test to find any early warning signs that cancer might develop in the future. If abnormal changes are found at screening, further tests may be done to see if treatment is needed.
All women who have ever had sex are at risk of cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment can prevent 75 per cent of cervical
cancers developing.
What is the procedure like?
A smear test is a quick and simple test in which a number of cells are collected from your cervix and sent off to a laboratory where they are tested for changes.
The test itself only takes a few minutes and should not be painful.
What if the results are abnormal?
An abnormal screening result does not mean you have cervical cancer. Although the results of most tests are normal, around one in ten women have an abnormal result at some point in their life. If your results show cell changes, we may recommend that you have another smear test after a period of time, or that you make an appointment for a colposcopy (see colposcopy). Regular smear tests can detect abnormal cell changes caused by HPV, which can then be monitored and/or treated to prevent cancer.
You can even further protect yourself against the risk of cancer with a vaccination against Human Papilloma virus (HPV)
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a simple procedure that allows a specialist to look closely at a woman′s cervix through a microscopic device called a colposcope, which shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the area. A liquid solution is applied to the cervix to assist in identifying any
cell changes.
The procedure allows cancer of the cervix to be detected at an early treatable stage.
If areas of abnormal tissue are found, a biopsy is performed. This is where small samples of tissue from any abnormal areas in the cervix are removed and sent for further investigation.
A colposcopy usually requires no more than a local anaesthetic and usually takes 10- 20 minutes.
HPV Vaccination
The Female Oncology Clinic provides a vaccination against Human Papilloma virus (HPV) which protects you even further against the
risk of cancer.
The vaccination is given in three doses over a six month period and is given in the outpatient clinic.
We also provide a cervical screening service.
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