Cervical Smear Leaflet
You have just had your cervical smear test
Your cervix is the neck of the womb that sits at the top of the vagina, or front passage.
Like other parts of the body, it can suffer infections or develop cancer.
The smear test can give a warning of early changes in the cervix, years before they develop into cancer.
Cervical polyp
Sometimes when we perform the smear test, we notice a cervical polyp,
and will tell you about this at the time. A polyp is a little fleshy lobe
at the neck of the womb and is not related to cancer. If we find one,
we will discuss it with you and usually recommend you see your GP to discuss
the possibility of referral to a specialist in the out-patient department of the hospital.
When will I know my result?
We will tell you how long you should expect to wait for the result.
You will receive a letter telling you the result.
Negative or normal result
Most smear tests are negative. We recommend you have a regular smear test every three years.
You will be sent a letter to remind you but we suggest you keep your own record too,
to make sure you are not forgotten.
If there is any abnormality, it could be for the following reasons:
- Inadequate specimen
The smear test depends on certain cells being scraped off the cervix and sent to the
laboratory to be looked at under a microscope. In about 10% of cases, the cervix has
not shed enough cells and the smear is reported to us as inadequate.
We will write to you asking you to come for a repeat smear.
- Infection or inflammation
The cervix can be infected without you noticing any symptoms.
Infection can prevent the cells of the cervix being seen properly when the
smear is looked at under the microscope. There are a variety of possible infections,
some of which will be obvious from the smear test, and some of which will require further tests.
You will get a letter from us asking you to return for a repeat smear test and
any further tests that are needed. We may advise you to take a course of antibiotics.
- Positive smear test
The smear test may show changes in the cells of the cervix called dysplasia.
This will need to be treated or monitored with more frequent smears, and we will
send you a letter explaining this will be done in the out-patient colposcopy clinic.
We will write to explain any abnormality, and you will be welcome to discuss the
results with your GP or one if the nurses.
Remember - the smear test picks up abnormalities long before they have developed
into cancer - these can be treated simply.