Colposcopy results

Patient Information Leaflet

• During your colposcopy appointment, if a swab was taken and this showed an infection, we will write to you with the result.
• We will also inform your GP and tell them what medication you need.
• You may also have had a biopsy (a medical procedure that takes a small sample of body tissue so it can be examined under a microscope).
• A biopsy will show us if you have any abnormal cells in your cervix.
• Abnormal cells of the cervix are called Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and these are graded 1 to 3.
• This is like having an abnormal smear result of Mild (low grade), Moderate or Severe (high grade).
• If columnar or glandular cells (Cervical Glandular Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CGIN)) are found on the cervix, the results of your procedure may report it as 'glandular neoplasia'.
• Glandular neoplasia are changes in the cells inside the cervix.
• These cells could develop into a type of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma if not treated.

The results of your procedure may show the following:

• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

  • Your biopsy may show us that you have HPV, which mean that a high-risk HPV is detected from the sample, but the cells are normal.
  • HPV can be in your cervix and not cause problems. Please see our leaflet on HPV.

• Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) 1

  • These are low grade changes to cells on your cervix (we call them 'lesions' and they look like a cut or graze) which can be monitored by a clinician.
  • In 60% of patients these changes will clear up on their own and the cervix will return to normal.
  • You must attend your follow-up appointment so that we can monitor these changes.
  • We do this to check if they have gone or if they have worsened.
  • If they have worsened, they can be treated.
  • It can take up to two years to clear them and for some patients, longer.
  • If CIN 1 does not clear up after two years, we will offer treatment, but you may wish to continue with regular monitoring.

• Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) 2 and (CIN) 3

  • These are high grade changes on the cervix which are usually treated.
  • For 43% of young women with CIN 2, the changes may regress.
  • Depending on the size of the lesion and your personal circumstances, CIN 2 will be closely monitored, as these changes do not always need treatment straight away.
  • If CIN 2 persists, treatment is offered.
  • In CIN 3 cases, treatment is offered as these changes are unlikely to get better by themselves and if left untreated, may develop into cancer.

• Cervical Glandular Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CGIN)

  • These are high grade changes on the cervix that will need to be treated.
  • We will discuss this with you.

• Vaginal Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (VaIN)1-3

  • A vaginal biopsy, if taken, will also show us if you have any abnormal cells, and these cell abnormalities are also graded 1-3.
  • We monitor these changes in the same way as the cervix.
  • These are all pre-cancerous cells, not cancer cells.
  • If treatment is needed, you will be provided with a specific leaflet for the type of treatment you will have.

More information

• For further information please contact the Colposcopy Nurses on 020 7288 3138.
• Please leave a message if you do not get an answer.