What do my colposcopy results mean

Normal result This means no abnormal cells were found. You do not need any immediate treatment. You will be told to either: come back for a follow-up colposcopy review - this is in case abnormal cells develop later on continue with cervical screening as usual - you'll have your next test in 3 years, regardless of your age Abnormal result It is not unusual to find abnormal cells in the cervix during a colposcopy. If a colposcopy confirms that you have abnormal cells, a biopsy will also be done. CGIN stands for cervical glandular intra-epithelial neoplasia.

CIN 1 It's unlikely the cells will become cancerous. They may go away on their own. CIN 2 There's a moderate chance the cells will become cancerous. What does an abnormal Pap test result mean? An abnormal cervical cancer screening Pap test result means that cells have been found on your cervix that do not look normal. Abnormal results are common and do not mean that you have cancer or precancerous cells.

Follow-up is recommended to determine the type of cell changes. Is a colposcopy procedure painful? The colposcopy itself should not be painful, but it may be uncomfortable. If a biopsy is taken during the procedure, you may experience pinching or cramping sensations. What are the risks of having a colposcopy? The risk of complications from colposcopy are small, however, a biopsy can cause an infection or bleeding in rare instances.

Where can I find a colposcopy clinic? Read more about cervical screening tests. Although abnormal cervical screening results rarely indicate cancer, it's important to investigate all moderate and severe abnormal cell changes, so that any problems can be treated as soon as possible.

You may also be referred for a colposcopy as a precaution if the laboratory was unable to get a result from your screening test sample. A colposcopy allows the cervix and the tissue on its surface to be examined more closely. This gives a clearer idea of exactly where the abnormal cell changes are located and how advanced they are.

A colposcopy isn't a treatment for abnormal cells, it's simply a way of examining cell changes in more detail. However, treatment can be carried out during a colposcopy if abnormal cells are detected. A colposcopy is a safe and quick procedure. However, some women find it uncomfortable and a few experience pain.

Tell the doctor or nurse colposcopist if you find the procedure painful, as they will try to make you more comfortable. You'll be referred for a colposcopy if your cervical screening test reveals cervical cell changes, or symptoms such as unexplained pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding need to be investigated. It will usually be carried out in the outpatients department of your local hospital.

If you would prefer a female doctor or nurse to carry out your colposcopy, you can request this by phoning the clinic beforehand. You can also bring a friend, partner or family member to help you feel more at ease. Phone the clinic if your period is due on the day of your appointment.

In some cases, such as if it's your first colposcopy, you may still be able to attend your appointment. However, in other circumstances, such as if it's a follow-up appointment, you may need to reschedule the appointment.

You can have a colposcopy if you're pregnant. Don't have sex or use vaginal medications, lubricants, creams or tampons for at least 24 hours before your appointment. This will make examining your cervix easier.

Take a panty liner to your appointment, as a small amount of discharge can come out of your vagina after the procedure. If a small cell sample a biopsy is taken, there may also be some bleeding.

You'll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on a special couch with your knees bent. Your legs can rest on padded supports. If you prefer, you could wear a loose skirt that can be lifted up without having to take it off. A device called a speculum will be gently inserted into your vagina to hold it open and allow the colposcopist to take a closer look at your cervix — in the same way your cervical screening was done. A colposcope is used to examine the cells. It looks similar to a pair of binoculars.

The colposcope doesn't touch you — it stays about 30cm 12 inches outside your vagina and allows the colposcopist to see the cells on your cervix on a screen. In some cases, photos may be taken for your medical records. Your colposcopist may dab different liquids onto your cervix. These stain abnormal cells a different colour, so they can be seen more clearly.

You may feel a mild tingling or burning sensation when the liquid is applied to your cervix. If abnormal cells are found, a small sample of tissue a few millimetres across may be taken from your cervix a biopsy. This shouldn't be painful, although you may feel a slight pinch or stinging sensation.

If necessary, you may be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. The tissue sample will then be sent to a laboratory for testing. A colposcopy is a quick and safe procedure. It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, but you should allow about an half an hour for the whole visit.

Most women find the procedure uncomfortable and some experience pain. Tell the colposcopist if you feel pain and they will try to make it more comfortable for you.

You should be able to continue with your daily activities after your appointment, including driving. For a few days after your colposcopy, you may have a brownish vaginal discharge, or light bleeding if you had a biopsy. This is normal and will usually stop after 3 to 5 days. You should wait until any bleeding stops before having sex or using tampons, vaginal medications, lubricants or creams. Following a colposcopy, you should be invited to a follow-up appointment to check that the cells in your cervix have returned to normal.

This will usually be 4 to 6 months after your colposcopy. After a colposcopy, your colposcopist will usually be able to tell you what they have found straight away. If there is any uncertainty, a small sample of tissue from the cervix may need to be removed a biopsy for further examination.

In some cases, abnormal cells can be treated during your colposcopy. A normal result means that your cervix appears healthy and you have a low risk of developing cervical cancer before your next screening test. Cervical screening is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64 every five years. The most common type of abnormality is known as cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia CIN. CIN isn't cancer, but it can sometimes develop into cancer if left untreated.

In rare cases, a colposcopy and biopsy will find cervical cancer. If this happens, you'll be referred to a team of specialists to discuss treatment.

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has more information about biopsy results. Page last reviewed: 30 December Next review due: 30 December