Cervical Cancer

[langeleyes]

I was just informed my pap smear came back with low grade. There is no infection. I was scheduled to see the gyn on 10/30 by my primary doc. They told me my cells came back abnormal. When I called, on a whim the gyn, they looked up the results and canceled my 10/30 appoint and said I have to have a colpo test (I think that is the spelling). They said my cells are abnormal low grade. They said it is definately not an infection. I just need the truth. Can someone please tell me what all this means? Is it cancer? I assume it probably is, otherwise, no need for a colpo test, right? Someone please, tell me the truth. Also, what can I expect to happen with the colpo other than they look inside and take a biopsy. Can a pap come back abnormal if something is begnin? Common sense tells me no, but I'm not sure. I just need the truth right now from someone who may know. And yes, all the women on my mom's side, except grandma, had hysterectomies at young ages due to cysts, (remember 20 years ago that is what they did for cysts). Thank you.

[UroDoc]

Not only infection but also inflammation can lead to an abnormal pap smear, this is much more likely than cancer. A colposcopy is a visual exam of the cervix. A vaginal speculum is used but instead of just looking by eye a colposcope (looks like binoculars attached to a rolling stand with a bright light mounted on it). This allows for a magnified view of the cervix. During his exam acetic acid (vinegar) may be placed on the cervix to check for changes in the cervix. A biopsy may or may not be taken. Good luck

[langeleyes]

What is low grade abnormal?

[UroDoc]

Not sure of that terminology but it sounds like "atypical cells" which usually do not turn out to be cancerous.

[rotty]

I had many, many abnormal paps and "normal" biopsies. the biopsies came back normal b/c they were taking biopsies from the wrong place. my tumor is located on the top of the cervix. anyways, hope you got the colpo. atypical cells can come from imflamation but be sure. I had one pap come back like that and a colpo with imflammation and here I am with full blow invasive cervical cancer.