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Colposcopy, no biopsy sent straight for treatment under general anaesthetic.

SJBC36
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Hi,

Would anyone know what I should be expecting with regards to treatment and recovery please.

A bit of background history…

My smears have been abnormal since 2019, have always shown high risk HPV. I have been having them yearly since. I had my first colposcopy which showed borderline changes. Then had another a year later which showed low grade and then most recently another showed high grade. Results were high risk HPV and HSIL - high grade dyskaryosis. 

I was referred as urgent and saw a consultant oncologist on Thursday. I went in expecting and preparing for the worst case scenario would be a LLETZ there and then. Non of the leaflets prepare you for anything other than this. 

He literally started to have a look and highlight the areas. He then said I can’t treat you today it’s far too wide spread and goes up somewhere? Can’t remember exactly.

His assistant asked if he was taking a punch biopsy and he said no, straight to treatment.

I have to go in to have a Cone Biopsy, a LLETZ and a Top Hat under general anaesthetic. 

I’m not sure what to make of it all and what the recovery will be like? Do I need time off work etc? 

I was a bit taken aback and unfortunately didn’t ask any questions. Other than I can expect a call from his secretary, I have no information to prepare or will this come in the post? 

Thanks in advance for any info!

  • Dear SJBC36,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our Online Community. I’m Alison, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists who work on the support line here at Macmillan.

    I can understand that it must have come as a shock to be told that you’re to have to have this treatment.

    For a cone biopsy and LLETZ under general anaesthetic, you can expect to be able to go home the same day as the procedure. It’s likely you’ll experience some bleeding and discomfort and you’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity for about a week following the procedure. In terms of work, it can depend on what you do and how you are, but it’s usually advisable to take at least a week to recover.

    It is likely you’ll receive some guidance about the procedure and how to prepare for it. However, if you have any concerns or questions, you should reach out to the specialist nurse or consultant to give you some more clarity and reassurance.

    I hope this is helpful and if you need to ask further questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Take care,

     

    Alison,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ACAP

  • in reply to Alison P - Macmillan

    Thank you for that, much appreciated :) 

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