Expert assessment and treatment of abnormal cervical smear results, with clear guidance and personalised care at every stage.
Cervical screening is recommended for all women aged 25 to 65 and is designed to detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. An abnormal result does not mean you have cancer — it means that cell changes have been found that may need monitoring or treatment. With the right care, the vast majority of cases can be managed effectively.
Abnormal cervical smear result (borderline, mild, moderate or severe)
Persistent abnormal results on repeat screening
Requirement for colposcopy following GP referral
Unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
Following an abnormal smear, further investigation is carried out using colposcopy — a procedure that provides a magnified view of the cervix to identify areas of abnormal cell change. A biopsy may be taken at the same time to confirm the nature and extent of any abnormality.
Treatment depends on the degree of cell change identified:
Repeat smear testing (for borderline or mild changes)
Colposcopy with or without biopsy
Laser therapy, cryotherapy, or cold coagulation to treat localised abnormal cells
LLETZ (loop electrosurgical excision) or diathermy to remove abnormal tissue
Cone biopsy to remove a segment of cervical tissue with cancerous potential
Hysterectomy in cases of recurrent or severely abnormal results
At London Pregnancy Care and Gynaecology, care is delivered by experienced consultant specialists with a focus on personalised treamtent, continuity of care, and clear, supportive guidance.
An abnormal smear result means that cell changes were detected in your cervix. These are graded as borderline, mild, moderate, or severe. None of these grades means you have cervical cancer — they indicate that abnormal cells are present that could, if left untreated, develop into cancer over time. Early detection through screening allows for treatment before this happens.
With mild or borderline changes, you may initially be advised to have a repeat smear in six months. In some cases these changes resolve on their own, and if your next result is normal, you will have two further tests six months apart before returning to routine screening intervals. If repeat screening continues to show abnormality, or if your doctor considers it appropriate, you will be referred for colposcopy.
Colposcopy is a procedure that provides a magnified view of your cervix, allowing your consultant to see cell changes that would not otherwise be visible. The colposcope itself does not enter the body — a speculum is used to access the cervix. If a biopsy is needed, a local anaesthetic is given so the procedure is painless.
Moderate or severe changes will require a colposcopy and usually a biopsy at the same time. Depending on the biopsy results, treatment may follow — and in some cases where treatment is clearly necessary, it will be carried out at the same appointment.
Several treatments can remove abnormal cervical cells. Laser therapy, cryotherapy, and cold coagulation treat only the affected area, allowing healthy tissue to regrow. LLETZ, diathermy, and cone biopsy remove the abnormal tissue entirely and allow it to be sent for laboratory analysis. For post-menopausal women or those whose family is complete, hysterectomy may be considered in cases of recurrent or severely abnormal results.
Most treatments for abnormal cervical cells do not significantly affect fertility. Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances, taking your fertility wishes into account.
.avif)
.jpg)