Abnormal Pap- this is normal, right?

while i was away, we got a letter from the GP stating my last Pap (december 07) showed abnormal cells.  they'll retest in 6 months. 

so of course, i go online and search and get scared and think why can't they retest after 6 weeks like it says online.  i have a history of cervical cancer in my family and so i'm a wee bit worried.

i'm sure i'm not the only one who's gotten an abnormal smear result- this is normal right?  most of the time this comes to nothing, right?  and what else could it be if not cancer? 

It's usually nothing. I've never had a normal smear the first time around! Often, it just means they didn't get enough of a sample to test properly, so it shows up as negative. Don't worry! But if you are concerned, phone your GP. A practice nurse should be able to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. 

Phone your GP, tell them your history if they don't already know it, and get a test sooner for your peace of mind. It's likely nothing but it can't hurt to speed the process up!

I had two abnormal smears about a 6-9months before I moved over here, so I was in the habit of going for smears every 3 months on the recommendation of my US Dr.  I was told that until I had 4 normal results in a row, it wasn't recommended to go back to yearly tests.

Then I moved to the UK and I knew it was only normal to have a smear every 3 years here.  I was really nervous, because whilst the last two test I had, were normal, I was convinced it needed more monitoring.  I had an english friend in the US, who was a gynacologist, albeit a fertility research one.  I asked him about my concerns and his response will stick with me forever:

"Talk to your UK Dr. about your history right away, be well informed and fairly persistent and they will most likely concede to test you more often.  If I was practicing in the UK and had an american patient, I would be scared to death they would sue me for malpractice." 

So our country's reputation for lawsuits, may just benefit us when it comes to healthcare.  I think if you have done your research and are prepared, the nurse/Dr. will be willing to re-test you again sooner.

squeeky wheels get the grease.  the online research says that it's best to wait 6 weeks after abnormal for things to calm down.  online it also says there's (2) major types of "abnormal" paps.  one is ok, and one is more serious.  the letter doesn't tell me which one i have.  i'll call the surgery and ask to make a phone appointment with the nurse.  i'll discuss it with her.  (thanks for making me feel like i'm not a parinoid, hypocontriact) 

I had an abnormal pap here and was sent for futher testing, turned out I had a very minor cervical infection. Was simply sent to hospital and it was sorted in a few hours. A little uncomfortable but was no big deal.
I dont blame you for being concerned Megs, let us know how it goes.

online it also says there's (2) major types of "abnormal" paps.  one is ok, and one is more serious.  the letter doesn't tell me which one i have.  i'll call the surgery and ask to make a phone appointment with the nurse.  i'll discuss it with her.  (thanks for making me feel like i'm not a parinoid, hypocontriact) 

I don't think they will know if it is a "good" or "bad" from just the smear.  I had to have a colpopscopy (sp?) after the second abnormal pap.  That was when they were able to tell if the abnormal cells were pre-cancerous or not.  Luckily, they were not. 

I had an abnormal Atypical cell of undetermined signifigance (ACUS).  They retested in 3 months.

Hiya Meggles~

Try not to worry just yet. I look at smear tests for a living so I hope the info I have for you will help you understand your situation.

First off, if it makes you feel better to go and have another smear 6 weeks after the previous one, please tell your GP. There is NO reason why it can't be done. If he/she gives you any hassle, simply find out where your trust's GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) clinic is, and make an appointment. Every trust has one and they will understand your concerns.

There are multiple reasons you might have an abnormal smear result. One common reason is some type of reaction to irritation. In this case the cells may show some signs of change without actually being abnormal.

Another common reason is an HPV (human papilloma virus) infection. HPV is a very common infection and has hundreds of subtypes. (Like different brands of something~fundamentally the same but slight differences.) The subtypes that are known to cause the cells to progress to cancer are called "high risk" and the ones that cause cellular changes, but don't progress to cancer are called "low risk".

There is a way of testing to see if you have high risk HPV present, but the NHS does not currently offer it. You can ask your GP to be referred privately if you want this test performed. (PM me if you want the names of labs that do it.)

With regards to frequency of smear tests, if you have an abnormal history you ARE entitled to smear tests every 6 months until 3 negatives in a row are obtained, then you will go to yearly for up to 10 years. The every 3 yearly thing is ONLY for people with a normal history.

I hope this helps and please PM me if I can help in any way.

Not too much advice, but I have had abnormal paps before and they turned out to be minor infections.  After one pap smear (which was abnormal) two days later, I had one of the worst UTIs I have ever had!

i've had abnormal ones come back too (in the states). had retests with those & everything came back normal. 

i was told that sex can affect the results & give a false abnormal, so that might be something to keep in mind next time you have one done.

I had an abnormal one before moving here and had to go back in for more cells to be cut from my cervix.  It came back as minor changes and I was told to be tested every 4-6 months, which I will do with my GP here.  I worried a lot too, but, I am sure you will be fine. Call your GP and talk to them and be persistent if you have too.

I've had abnormal Paps for a few years now. I've had three colposcopies in the States as a result.

When I told the doctor here about it, they booked me right in for another smear. I was told that depending on the results, they'd either retest or send me for a colposcopy.

As has been said, they told me that I'd get tested every 6 months until I had three normals, and then be tested yearly for 10 years.

I've just been diagnosed with a polyp on my cervix. I asked my GP if I therefore could request annual paps so as to be on the lookout for further problems and he said no! 

I don't understand why the hesitancy to have annual pap smears. Why does the US do them and not the UK?

I don't understand why the hesitancy to have annual pap smears. Why does the US do them and not the UK?

Perhaps because in the US, where medical services are run as a profit-making enterprises, the suppliers of medical procedures would like people to spend as much money with them as possible.  In the UK, since in effect all tax payers pay for medicine, economy and value for money is much more of an issue, and the question is therefore more one of maximum outcome for minimum outlay.  Thus we have two different business models.

Does anyone have comparative statistics for cervical cancer?