Quite Scared about smear test results - can anyone help?

[Sukimoo]

Hello

I would love to hear from anyone who has any experience of this and could offer some help.

I received today a call from my gp telling me that my recent smear test showed severe glandular changes and I need to go to the hospital on Monday for colposcopy. I also received a letter telling me the same. I have had CIN 2 before which was treated with colposcopy, this was 6 years ago and smears have been normal since. My last smear was a year ago and was normal.

The letter from the hospital doesn't say a CIN result just that the changes need urgent investigation.

I am utterly terrified that this could be cancer. Has anyone got any experience of this?

Thank you

[BRush1]

I haven't personally experienced what u are going through right now,but felt compelled to post you as my mum has, she was very frightened. It was all ok. It is marked as urgent as they have found abnormal cells. Do you have friends and family around you to support and occupy your time? Just Keep talking about how you feel don't clam up as you need to share with others and let them help you and you may be surprised to hear that others have shared your experiences.

[Sukimoo]

Thank you for the reply. I'm trying to be normal and keep talking but I just feel so scared as the result has gone from normal to severe in 12 months. I have a DP and baby DD and other support but I've pretty much been a wreck today. Trying my best to keep calm for DD but I'll be honest, it's difficult!

[Sukimoo]

Thanks footle. Can I edit the title or will I need to start a new thread?

[Twosugarsplease]

Here for support and hand holding, i worry sooo much about health scares, my eldest 16 my youngest 3.
My dh is currently going for an op to remove a tumor I'm praying is benign, it's all I can I think about, I'm sure they are just being extra cautious for you. Bloody awful in the meantime though.

[digerd]

Sukimoo
In UK we have smear tests every 3 years. But in Germany we had them yearly too. Where are you?
I had cervical Displasia 30 years ago, had the op and it never returned.
I have not heard of Glandular changes in the Cervix. Ours are called abnormal cells.
The Colposcopy will determine exactly what it is.
I was informed 18 months after my last smear , some mistake made there, but I am still here 30 years later. Good luck

[Sukimoo]

Thanks for the replies.

Twosugars, really hope all is ok with your dh op.

Digerd, I am in UK but was having yearly smears because of previous cin11. The changes this time are also described as abnormal, when I spoke to my gp I just remember the words severe changes and that she mentioned glandular. Also the fact that they have asked to see me so soon. I am finding it hard to function at the moment, can't eat and barely sleeping.

[digerd]

Sukimoo
So, you've been having yearly smears for 6 years since your CIN11?
Mine was CIS - Carcinoma Insitu- but can't remember having yearly smears afterwards, but 3 years after that I went to live in Germany where the norm was yearly smear tests, and it never returned.
They do recall urgently if a smear abnormality is severe and they are being cautious due to your CIN2 6 years ago.
The smear does not show the CIN stage, only the Colospcopy can do that. But as your smear a year ago was normal, it is unlikely to be serious.
Good luck tomorrow.

[BelaLug0si]

Sorry I didn't see your thread before.
Glandular changes are pre-cancerous changes similar to CIN (like you had before) but in endocervical cells. They're a different sort of cells (they produce mucus, line the endocervical canal) which are found in glandular epithelium.
It's an urgent referral because it can be more tricky to assess than CIN (which arises from squamous cells) so the screening programme guidelines are for you to be seen quite promptly.
Did you have a LLETZ or cone biopsy for your CIN2? This can change which cells are sampled on follow up 'smears' or cervical screening.

Can I suggest you have a look at this section of the colposcopy society website which explains about glandular abnormalities. Jo's trust is also a source of information and support.
Hope you have more idea of what's going on after your appointment today.