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| Cervical Smears | |
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The only point in carrying out any screening test is to reliably pick up those in need of treatment, where suitable treatment is available. Screening for cancer of the neck of the womb (the cervix) fulfils both these criteria. Although it might be a bit uncomfortable or embarrassing to have the test done, when abnormalities are found they can be treated effectively, preventing the development of more serious disease, in this case cancer. At Brockwell Medical Group, by far the majority of cervical smears are taken by our practice nurses, and their rate of satisfactory smears is excellent - i.e. their technique is good and they get good results, with very few needing to be repeated because of poor quality. A smear test involves scraping some of the cells from the neck of the womb using a small cylindrical brush. The brush is them smeared onto a glass slide, and this is sent to a specialist laboratory (at Newcastle General Hospital) for examination. At the same time, with the patient's consent, a test is taken for Chlamydia infection. The laboratory advises when the smear should be repeated. If the smear shows no abnormality, then a routine recall for 3 years is issued. If a woman has had a previously abnormal smear, then the lab may advise six-monthly or annual repeats for a while. If the smear is unsatisfactory, or is normal but there is a history of significance such as bleeding after intercourse, then the lab may suggest an immediate repeat. Colposcopy If a significant abnormality is found - very rarely a cancerous growth but sometimes abnormal cells which may be pre-cancerous - then the lab may advise referral for colposcopy. This involves a trip to hospital out-patients where the cervix is examined more closely using magnification. Abnormal areas can be identified and treatment is given to remove these areas. After colposcopy, follow-up is important, and a woman will be seen three- to six-monthly, at the hospital initially, and then regularly by the practice nurse for follow up. |
