After doing a colposcopy, the colposcopist will know straight away whether you have abnormal cells on the lining of your cervix (the neck of the womb).
Biopsy results
In some cases, it may be possible the abnormal cells to be treated during your colposcopy. Or you may have to wait for the results of a biopsy (where a sample of cells is taken for analysis) before treatment is given.
If you have had a biopsy during your colposcopy, the tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Testing will help to determine the extent of the cell changes in your cervix. You usually have to wait one or two weeks for your biopsy results. You will then be asked to return to the clinic to discuss them.
The medical term for abnormal cervical cell change is cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN is not cancer, but CIN cells can sometimes develop into cancerous cells.
CIN scale
Doctors use a CIN scale ranging from 1 to 3 to classify how many cervical cells are abnormal. The scale is described below.
CIN 1
CIN 1 cells indicate that up to a third of cells in the affected area of your cervix are abnormal. Your specialist will be able to advise you about the best course of treatment. In some cases, no treatment may be recommended because the cells sometimes return to normal without treatment.
CIN 2
CIN 2 cells indicate that up to two thirds of cells in the affected area of your cervix are abnormal. If you have CIN 2 cells, you will usually need treatment to help any abnormal cells return to normal.
CIN 3
CIN 3 cells indicate that all of the cells in the affected area of your cervix are abnormal. If this is the case, you will need treatment to help the cells return to normal.
In rare cases, a biopsy will show that some of the abnormal cells in your cervix have become cancerous. If this is the case, you will need to have further tests and your specialist will arrange any necessary treatment as soon as possible.
Repeat colposcopy
Depending on your colposcopy or biopsy results, you may need to have treatment immediately or you may need to have a repeat colposcopy:
- If you have CIN 1 cells, you will need to have a repeat colposcopy every six to 12 months to monitor the cells and see whether further treatment is required in the future
- If you have CIN 2 or 3 cells, immediate treatment is usually recommended
See Colposcopy - treatment for more information.
