More about cervix cancer – Part 1

Hi, l thought l would write some more about cervix cancer and explain it more as some females and males still don’t understand fully what it is and the treatment they do for cervix cancer.

Cervix cancer is abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Abnormal cells are a condition between normal and cancer. These abnormal changes occur in the cells at the transformation zone. This is known as dysplasia or cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (shortened to CIN). Dysplasia indicates new abnormal growth in the surface cells of the cervix, and is graded from mild to serve.

Ø      CIN 1 – mild dysplasia > abnormal cells are only in the bottom third or less of the surface.

Ø      CIN 2 – moderate dysplasia > abnormal cells in the bottom third or two-thirds of the surface layer.

Ø      CIN 3 – severe dysplasia > abnormal cells covering at least two-thirds of surface layer.

What happens after you get a positive pap smear?

You or your partner will be referred to the Dysplasia clinic; further tests will be carried out. The main test is called colposcopy. Colposcopy is the instrument used to look at the cervix. It is like a cross between a telescope and microscope. At the start of the examination your legs are placed in leg-supports.  A speculum will be inserted (the same as a pap smear), then the doctor will use the colposcopy to examine your cervix. The examination starts by the doctor taking two separate smear tests, the first from the canal of the cervix using a special brush and the second from the outside of the cervix using a spatula. After taking the smear test, the doctor will dab the cervix with very mild acetic acid (vinegar). This will show up any abnormal cells. This will not hurt although you may feel some stinging. With the colposcope it is possible for the doctor to see the abnormal area. It is important to check if the abnormal area is only on the outside or if it goes into the canal of the cervix. The doctor will probably take a tiny sample of the abnormal area to send for examination to confirm the diagnosis. This is called a target biopsy. You may or may not feel this procedure, it is very important that the abnormality is confirmed before treatment is given. If the abnormal area and transformation zone extends into the endocervical canal it will be out of sight. The doctor may the advice you about needing a cone biopsy. The examination takes around 10 minutes. Within 2 or 3 weeks of your visit to the Dysplasia clinic you will receive a letter, if the dysplasia has been confirmed by the biopsy…the letter will tell you your name has been put down on a waiting list for treatment. If the biopsy has shown only minor changes that are not dysplasia (and therefore not pre-cancerous) you will receive a letter to say that you will need to be seen again in the colposcopy clinic. This check-up is very important to ensure that the minor changes detected are improving or have returned to normal.