Your Pap smear has shown changes, or abnormal cells, on the surface of your cervix. At colposcopy some abnormal cells were seen, which have been biopsied and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis. If the changes are mild, then it is usual to review these six monthly with colposcopy. If these changes require treatment, this is usually done by a procedure called a LLETZ procedure.
It is very uncommon for these changes to be cancer of the cervix, but the abnormal cells may (but not always) progress to cancer of the cervix if left without treatment for long periods of time.
The LLETZ treatment for cervical dysplasia aims to totally remove the abnormal cells from the cervix. A wire loop with an electric current (diathermy) is used to shave off these cells. This leaves a raw area on the cervix, which heals very well. The healed cervix should then contain only healthy tissue, without any abnormal cells.
The LLETZ procedure involves a short stay in hospital, usually only a few hours. It may be done while you are awake or asleep, although most women find it more comfortable to be asleep. A quick short acting anaesthetic is most commonly used.
What to expect after the procedure:
If a women has had multiple LLETZ procedures performed this may lead to shortening of the cervix and a small risk of preterm labour in any future pregnancy. This may require monitoring by your obstetrician.
Although the procedure will remove all visible abnormal areas, there is still a possibility that the abnormal cells may recur (approximately a 5-10% chance). Follow up is therefore extremely important. You will be given an appointment for a repeat colposcopy 4-6 months following the LLETZ procedure. This is to check that the cervix has healed well, without residual or recurrent abnormal cells.
You will then require a further colposcopy and smear test in another 6 months. If these are normal you can revert to yearly smears with your GP.