What to expect at the Colposcopy Clinic – PIL1162 version 2

Why have I been referred to the colposcopy clinic?

You may be referred to the colposcopy clinic for one of the following reasons:

• An inadequate cervical screening test has been taken (meaning it has not been possible to obtain a reliable result).
• Your cervical sample (smear test) has shown abnormal cells.
• Your GP/Nurse is concerned about the appearance of your cervix.
• Your GP/Nurse has difficulty obtaining a cervical screening sample.
• You have irregular bleeding and/or bleeding after sexual intercourse.

What do abnormal cells mean?

The reason most women are referred to the colposcopy clinic is because their cervical sample result has shown abnormal cells, this is known as dyskaryosis.

This could mean that there are pre-cancerous cells present. This is called Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CIN). This is not cancer. They are changes to the cells that cover the outside of the cervix (squamous cells). The cervix is also known as the neck of your womb.

What is CIN?

There are 3 grades of CIN and they relate to how deeply the   abnormal cells have gone into the skin covering the cervix:

• CIN 3 (high grade) – the full thickness of the lining covering the cervix has abnormal cells.
• CIN 1 (low grade) – up to one third of the thickness of the lining covering the cervix has abnormal cells.
• CIN 2 (high grade) – up to two thirds of the thickness of the lining covering the cervix has abnormal cells.

Sometimes the cervical sample is reported as borderline changes, which usually describe the most minor grade of abnormality where cells are considered to be not normal but not abnormal enough to be classified as a pre-cancerous CIN change.

It is important for you to attend your appointment so we can have a closer look at your cervix. You are very welcome to attend the clinic with a friend or relative if you wish.

When you attend our clinic you may be seen by a doctor or nurse colposcopist (this person is trained to examine the cervix) who will examine your cervix. 

What is a colposcopy?

Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix, vulva or vagina using a colposcope (a colposcope is a type of microscope. It looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand).

The colposcope does not touch you or go inside you but allows the colposcopist to look at your cervix under magnification.

What happens at my appointment?

To prepare for the colposcopy, you may find taking simple painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol tablets about 1 hour before your appointment may help. You should always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with your tablets.

The colposcopist will ask some questions about your periods, contraception, medical and surgical history as part of your history taking.

Before the examination, you will be asked to undress from the waist downwards in a private room. You will be provided with a hospital gown but you may wish to wear a loose skirt or dress if you would prefer not to remove all your lower clothing.

A nurse will help you to position yourself on the examination couch and will ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.

The colposcopist will put a speculum inside the vagina (exactly the same as when you had your smear) and will place some solution onto your cervix to help identify the abnormal cells.

If the colposcopist recommends a biopsy (a small sample of tissue), this will be discussed with you in detail in clinic, and a leaflet given for further information.

However, if you need to have a treatment on your cervix, a local anaesthetic will be given. This will be discussed with you in detail in the clinic with a leaflet for further information. If you need a further appointment this will also be explained in the clinic.

During the examination there will be a screen where you can watch the procedure if you wish. On some occasions the colposcopist may need to take some images of your cervix or vagina during the examination for your medical records. 

The images and any tissue from biopsies taken, may be stored to allow us to check your test results again, if needed at a later date.

Sometimes the images/samples taken may be used for teaching, research or public health monitoring in the future interests of all NHS patients. Samples kept for this purpose will not identify you.

You will be asked to sign a consent form about using your images or samples for teaching or research purposes. If you decide not to consent this will not affect your treatment in any way.

When will I be told the results of my biopsy or treatment?

Any biopsies taken including the sample of cervix removed during a treatment will be sent to a laboratory. You will be informed of your results by letter within 4 to 8 weeks.

Your GP will also be sent a letter with the results of your biopsy.

Further Advice:

We hope that you have found the information in this leaflet helpful. If you require any further advice regarding 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 may have.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below.

University Hospital of North Tees

Outpatient Department
Telephone: 01642 624172
Monday – Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Outpatient Department
Telephone: 01429 522868
Monday – Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm

You can also contact a Specialist Nurse Colposcopist on the following number:
Colposcopy Hub:
Telephone 01429 522268
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Further Information is available from:

NHS website:
www.nhs.uk

Cancer Research UK:
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust:
www.jotrust.co.uk

The British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology:
www.bsccp.org.uk

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 Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

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

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

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 Notices

Leaflet 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 at:

Email: [email protected]