hi to you all,l have a problem folks......?

Question

the results of my smear test came back yesterday and it send,the laboratory test showed borderline changes.This means that there are changes to some of the cells in your cervix.God it has me worried sick l can't stop thinking about.Phoning the doc's tomorrow,any advice/Thanks so much

god l'm worried now after seeing the 3rd answer .....help

Answer 1

I can understand why you're anxious about this, but please don't think the worst because it may not be anything major. I believe in a high percentage of cases, this does NOT indicate cancer and can be dealt with.

I sincerely hope it isn't anything serious - but if it is, bear in mind catching it early gives you an far better chance of being able to treat it effectively.

If you can, spend this evening doing something distracting with a friend or partner - dwelling on the phonecall tomorrow will only make you feel worse.

Answer 2

I had the same thing. Last year they told me I had abnormal cells, so right away I assume cancer! I had to go back again to re-do the pap smear, which turned out to be abnormal. So, I got scheduled for a colposcopy. That is where they pretty much do the same as a pap smear but they squirt this vinegar stuff on your cervix. They use a camera to look at it and if there are any white cells they take them off (feels like a pinch) and observe them. My cervix ended up being text book perfect. Sometimes if there is a slight infection that you don't even know about could mess up the results. They will also run all the tests for STDs to make sure you haven't been exposed.

It is normal to worry, it is kind of scary. Most times it is nothing, but call when they open and ask. You will probably have to get another one done and then do a colposcopy if it is still abnormal. Good luck, I am hope it is nothing...

Answer 3

I've had that problem for over 20 years. Sometimes the tests come back fine, other times it shows a problem, it's called dysplasia. Whenever I have a smear with changes I have to have another smear every 3 months so my Doc can keep an eye on things.
I don't know why but some women are more prone to it then others. I've never had it go farther then changed cells so try not to worry about it too much. Get your tests as often as your Doc says to and as long as you're on top of things you should be fine.

Here's a link that will help explain some of the changes and what they mean:
http://www.disability.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcArticles.nsf/pages/Pap_test_abnormalities?OpenDocument

Cheers!

Answer 4

Most smears are normal. However, it is common to have a minor abnormality. If the result is abnormal there is usually no cause for worry. It may mean that there are mild changes in the cells and the smear will need to be taken more regularly for a while. If the changes in the cells are more marked you may be referred for colposcopy. This is a more detailed examination of the cervix and any abnormal cells detected can be treated which will prevent cancer developing in the future. An abnormal smear test RARELY means cancer.

Cervical Smear- Abnormal Result

When a cervical smear is taken, cells from the neck of the womb (cervix) are scraped off and examined under a microscope. Sometimes these cells may show certain kinds of changes. There are a range of changes they can show. These do not mean cancer in nearly all cases. However, if they are not observed or treated they could become cancer some years later

Borderline Changes. Here the cells are not quite their usual shape and another smear to check them is advised in 3-6 months. If there are still changes in the cells after the second smear test then a colposcopy examination is usually recommended.

· Abnormal cells with mild changes. These may need to be checked again in 3-6 months by having another smear. Again if they persist referral for colposcopy is advised.

· More marked changes. Referral for colposcopy is advised

Answer 5

I am assuming you are taking about your pap smear right? I have had the same issue - basically I was diagnosed with HPV. HPV can cause abnormal cells. HPV is very common. About 80% of people get it in their lifetime. Usually it goes away on it's own so some doctors do nothing if that's all it is. I think there are over 100 strains or different types of HPV and only about 3 of those strains are the type that could lead to cervical cancer so your chances of it being cervical cancer or pre-cervical cancer are very rare. Here's what they'll do. Step 1 re-test. Step 2 test further to see if it is HPV. Step 3 if it is HPV test what strain it is Step 4 even if it is not the strain that can cause cervical cancer some doctors will want to do a culposcopy to check it further. It's a procedure that can cause some cramping/pain but it's bearable. I have had 2. They take larger samples of the tissue of your cervix during the procedure which feels like a pinch. They also look closely at your cervix to check for any tissue abnormalities. So its not as quick as a pap. Step 5 - lets say the doc is concerned about the tissue and want's to get rid of it. There are various options but a common one is cryosurgery. They basically freeze the tissue off. I had this done. This time the cramping after is more painful but doesn't last more than an hr or 2. The doc does it in his office and just tell you to take some pain killers before hand. Quite bearable but stay laying down after for some time. Step 6 - re-occuiring paps. Usually one every 3-6 months for the next few years to keep an eye on things. From people I have talked to your situation is very common. Having it need to progress to a culposcopy is common too. Having it progress to cryosurgery is not as common but I have a few friends that have had it. None of us have had issues since and none of us had the HPV that leads to cervical cancer.

Answer 6

I shouldn't worry about it. The doctors and technicians know what to look for and can recognise cancer cells. They'll probably keep an eye on you with more regular smear tests to make sure the cells don't mutate. Mine did so they decided to do something about it.This was still not cancer! What they did was to go in and cauterize my cervix to burn off the abnormal cells. (Years later when I had to have an unrelated hysterectomy they told me the name of the doctor who'd seen to my cervix just by looking at it. It seems that each doctor had a sort of signature when doing the procedure and I'd been walking around with a Star of David on mine.) As I said, it's nothing to worry about. They'd have called you straight away if it was urgent.

Answer 7

don't be too worried i had 2 of those, it could mean that you have a slight inflamation or infection which antibiotics can clear up like i say i had 2 smear results with abnormalities but the third one came back clear, but if you are worried just talk to your gp good luck

Answer 8

its nothin to worry about i had exactly same thing asnd was booked into hospital to have a small painless(yet embarrassing) operation that didnt take too long at all. i was in and out within an hr that was 3 yr agao and had to hace 2 six month and 3 yearly smears after that n they av all been fine

Answer 9

well don't mean to scare u but when my mother in law had borderline changes she had to have uterus removed because she was on the border line for cervical cancer i hope things work out for i will say a prayer that u r OK

Answer 10

It is very normal for a pap smear to report changes, in your body. It could be as easy as your cycle getting ready to start. I would call your doctor and ask him any questions you may have.