Colposcopy & Abnormal Smear
If you have received a letter telling you that your smear was abnormal, you will be understandably anxious and a bit worried. However, an abnormal smear almost always means that a minor problem (pre-cancerous change) has been detected and not anything serious (such as cervical cancer). It means that your smear test has done its job and this minor problem can now be dealt with. It is very common to have an abnormal smear (one in twelve smears are not normal), but it is extremely rare for this abnormality to be cancer.
The smear abnormality (dyskaryosis) can be mild, moderate or severe. Even when the smear shows severe dyskaryosis, it usually occurs 5-10 years before cervical cancer. Borderline grade is between normal and mild, so it means almost normal but not quite. Low grade smears (mild and borderline) will very often revert back to normal without any treatment, high grade smears (moderate and severe) often need to be treated. A colposcopy examination will often be recommended for any grade of abnormality.
Our colposcopy service
At London Gynaecology, our colposcopy service is built around reassurance, expertise, and ease of access. We know that needing a colposcopy can be a worrying experience, which is why we prioritise both clinical excellence, speed of access and patient comfort.
We offer daily colposcopy clinics across three convenient London locations, six days a week. Our team includes both male and female colposcopists to accommodate individual preferences, and we reserve dedicated appointment slots specifically for colposcopy to ensure timely access, even at short notice.
Book your Colposcopy appointment online
An abnormal smear result can be a worrying time. Our colposcopy package gives reassurance with thorough analysis of the cells and treatment, if required, often within the same appointment.
What will the colposcopy show?
The examination may show a normal cervix or low grade or high grade changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix, CIN (Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia). These are pre-cancerous changes within the cervical epithelium (lining cells of the neck of womb).
There are three grades of CIN:
There are various ways of treating CIN, but the common options. are:
LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone):
An effective diagnostic and curative outpatient procedure, targeting abnormal cells to prevent cervical cancer.
Cone Biopsy (Extended or deeper excision):
Carried out by Laser, Knife or Needle.
Additional Colposcopy Information
If you wish to learn more about our colposcopy pricing, visit our colposcopy package page for self pay patients.
Results
Your specialist will discuss the colposcopy findings with you. The results will usually be ready within 10 days.
GP Referrals
GP referral letters are not needed unless you are claiming your visit on insurance and your insurer requires one. However, GP referral letters are helpful because they provide your information and history so if you do have one please bring it with you to your appointment.
Resources
To learn about Colposcopy or Treatment of CIN, please see our patient information leaflets.
Other related conditions and treatments
Cone biopsy
A cone biopsy is a minor surgical procedure used to remove a cone-shaped section of abnormal tissue from the cervix. It is typically recommended when high-grade...
Vulvoscopy
A vulvoscopy is an examination of the vulval skin using a telescope. It is performed for the investigation of vulval itching or pain or irritation and...
Abnormal Smear
If you have received a letter telling you that your smear was abnormal, you will be understandably anxious and a bit worried. However, an abnormal smear...
