• About Pap tests or Pap smears
• Who should have Pap tests or Pap smears?
• The human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The cervical cancer vaccine
• Abnormal Pap test (or Pap smear) results and treatment
• Unsatisfactory result
• Low-grade changes
• High-grade changes
• Colposcopy
• Biopsy
• Treatments for high-grade changes
• Pap tests after treatment
• Questions to ask about treatment
• Risks associated with treatment
• Cervical cancer

Treatments for high-grade changes

If the colposcopy and biopsy show an abnormality that requires treatment, your doctor will recommend what type of treatment is suitable for you. You may have to wait a few weeks for an appointment with the specialist for this treatment. This wait will not affect your chances of being successfully treated but it can be an anxious time.

Talking with your partner, family or friends and especially your doctor can be helpful. You may also want to contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

If you have a high-grade abnormality, there is only a very small chance (0% to 3%) that you have invasive cervical cancer. If you do, it is highly likely that it can be cured with treatment.

If you need treatment, you will have one of the following methods. The choice of treatment will depend on the type of abnormality. Ask your specialist to discuss options with you and to explain the choice of treatment.

Wire loop excision

In this method, the abnormal cells are removed from the cervix with a wire loop. Heat is used after the loop excision to stop any bleeding. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. Some women need a general anaesthetic but most are able to have the treatment with a local anaesthetic. Most women are able to return to normal activities within two to three days.

Laser

With this method, the abnormal cells are removed using heat from a laser beam. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete and can be done in a doctor's office, hospital or clinic as a day procedure.

If a general anaesthetic is advised or preferred, a one-day hospital stay is necessary.

Most women return to normal activities within a few days of treatment.

Cone biopsy

In this minor operation, a cone-shaped section of the cervix containing the abnormal cells is removed. This usually requires a general anaesthetic and a day or overnight hospital stay.

Only a small number of women will need a cone biopsy. It is the recommended treatment when the abnormal cells are higher in the cervical canal and/or affect the glandular cells. It may also be recommended to remove potentially cancerous cells.

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