Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
Following your recent visit to the Colposcopy Clinic, the findings suggest there are some mildly abnormal cell changes to your cervix which are known as CIN1, (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Grade 1).
What is the significance of CIN1?
CIN1 is also defined as a low grade abnormality of the cervix,
where the cells are considered to have developed into a minor
pre-cancerous condition.
This condition is usually kept under close surveillance. National Guidelines for the management of CIN1 by treatment or surveillance are based on research evidence showing that one out of every two of these low grade abnormalities are self-limiting. This means that, given time, CIN1 will return to normal without active treatment.
CIN is a pre-cancerous condition that can be subdivided into three
grades: CIN1, CIN2 and CIN3. These grades can then be
categorised into high risk (CIN2 and CIN3) and low risk (CIN1).
It is important to remember that all CIN does not develop into cancer, and that treating all grades of CIN would lead to overtreatment for many women.
Current data suggests that less than 1 in 100 of CIN1 patients go on to develop cervical cancer. Although it is not possible to predict at the outset the potential outcome for individual women, we do know that CIN1 has a tendency to return to normal in a significant number of women1,2.
Based on such evidence, the National Guidelines state that CIN1 may either be treated or kept under close observation.
What does the management of low-grade abnormalities by surveillance involve?
You have been offered a conservative management option for a low-grade abnormality of the cervix in the hope that the cells will return to normal without active treatment.
Conservative management of low-grade abnormalities is completely safe. However, since this involves close observation until the cervical screening tests return to normal, it is important that you keep your appointments.
If CIN1 is diagnosed, you will be discharged from the colposcopy service back to your GP for a further screening test in 12 months. Further follow up will be determined by that screening test result.
Although low-grade abnormalities can be managed indefinitely by surveillance, this may change if it does not progress. Our local policy is to suggest treatment if the abnormalities are still persisting after a period of two years, or to treat immediately if the abnormality progresses in grade or size.
What if I can’t attend an appointment?
It is very important that you attend the Colposcopy Clinic when an appointment is made for you.
If you cannot attend for any reason, please let us know so the appointment can be used by someone else and we can arrange another appointment for you.
If you are unable to attend a clinic and wish to change your appointment, please contact our clerical staff:
Telephone: 01642 624217
Further advice
We hope that you have found the information in this leaflet helpful. If you require any further advice regarding any aspect of your care, please do not hesitate to ask the clinic staff. They are there to support you and are happy to help with any concerns or anxieties.
You can also contact a Nurse Colposcopist on the Nurse Advice Lines:
Telephone: 01429 522862 (Hartlepool)
Telephone: 01642 624081 (North Tees)
(24-hour answer-phone service if they are unable to answer your call immediately).Useful web sites for further information:
Cancer Research UK:
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust:
The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
References
- Public Health England (2016) NHS Cervical Screening Programme, Colposcopy and Programme Management. NHSCSP Publication 20. 3rd Edition.
- Luesley D (Ed), Shafi M (Ed), Jordan J (Ed). Handbook of Colposcopy (1996). Publishers Chapman and Hall
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1229
Date for review: 16/09/2023
