120 Clifford St, Stafford Heights QLD 4053

Abnormal CST

Abnormal Cervical Screening Test

Dr Brooke O’Brien can help you with your Abnormal CST result.  At our women's health clinic, we can arrange for Colposcope examination to further assess and treat you, in a very caring environment. Read below to learn what an abnormal CST is and what we can do for you.

Abnormal Cervical Screening Test

Overview

The old Pap Smear test has now changed to a Cervical Screening Test (CST) where your GP will perform this, which looks to see if there are signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV) present. There might be other conditions such as a suspicious looking cervix or bleeding after sex that may warrant a GP to refer you to a gynaecologist for investigation.

This is where we come in, Dr Brooke O'Brien will perform a Colposcopy to accurately diagnose any changes in the cells to the cervix.

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Colposcopy

What is a Colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a Colposcope (a microscope with various magnification lenses) is used to provide an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix, vagina or vulva.

The primary goal of a Colposcopy procedure is to identify any precancerous and cancerous lesions so that they may be treated early.

Procedure

What to expect when having a Colposcopy

Your Colposcopy will be booked in by our admin team for you to come to our clinic where Dr Brooke O'Brien will perform the Colposcopy in her office.

Having a colposcopy is similar to having a cervical screening test with your GP, but the cervix is also examined using our special microscope, called a Colposcope.

Solutions are applied to the cervix to better visualise the cells on the cervix. Dr Brooke O'Brien will look through the Colposcope, where it magnifies the cervix and enhances the ability to distinguish normal, from abnormal areas. Sometimes a biopsy is required and this will accurately determine if this is required. If you do have a biopsy, they can be done there and then. It might be slightly uncomfortable but are generally quick and symptoms settle quickly. The actual procedure should not take more than a few minutes.

Before your Colposcopy

If your GP has referred you for an abnormal CST result or another reason for a Colposcopy, our admin team will send you written information about the procedure prior to your appointment.

At your appointment, Dr Brooke O'Brien will also explain your results and the reason that a Colposcopy may be required. The procedure will also be explained to you again so that you feel comfortable and reduce any anxiety you may have.

We recommend you take two paracetamol and two nurofen one hour prior to your appointment to minimise any discomfort.

After your Colposcopy

The results of your Colposcopy findings will be discussed with you on the day. Time will be made to answer any questions that you may have.

If any tests or biopsies have been collected, then a follow-up appointment in the clinic or by phone will be made for your results. You will then be advised if you require further treatment (read below on LLETZ) or you require monitoring only.

You may want to wear a pad for a few days to prevent staining of your underwear by the solutions. It is best to avoid heavy physical exercise for 24 hours after a biopsy and it is best not to have penetrative sexual intercourse or use tampons for 3 days.

In general, you will not need to take time off from work after a Colposcopy.

LLETZ

Overview

A LLETZ stands for large loop excision of the transformation zone. This may be recommended to you, should your results indicate this following your Colposcopy. This procedure is performed as a quick day case in hospital under general anaesthesia and will remove a small segment of the cervix using a fine wire loop, removing any abnormal cells.

A LLETZ is performed for the diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous cells of the cervix and is recommended if you have had an abnormality of your cervix detected after having a Colposcopy.

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LLETZ

What to expect when having a LLETZ?

A LLETZ is performed under a light general anaesthesia as a day stay in hospital. The cervix is examined using a special microscope called a Colposcope (in the same way you were examined in clinic). A fine wire loop charged with electricity is then used to shave away the abnormal tissue from the cervix.

You will usually leave hospital within 2-3 hours after your procedure. During your procedure you will also have a local anaesthetic, so it is unusual to require anything more than paracetamol after you leave hospital.

Before your LLETZ?

Before recommending a LLETZ, Dr Brooke O'Brien will have discussed your results of your Colposcopy and will go through and explain your LLETZ procedure.

Our administration team will send you further written information and details about your admission and requirements for booking into hospital.

On your admission paperwork we will provide you with fasting information and what time to arrive to hospital. There is no other preparation other than coordinating your arrival to hospital.

After your LLETZ?

You will be provided with recovery instructions prior to and following your procedure. Most women can return to most light activities or work after the first 24 hours if you feel well. We recommend that you not perform heavy or strenuous exercise for 3 days.

If you have have any discomfort or cramping, then you may use paracetamol as required. It is common to have a light bloody or clear discharge for up to 4 weeks after your procedure.

You will then have a follow up appointment 2 weeks after your procedure to ensure you are well and discuss your pathology results. Usually then you would have a repeat cervical screening test in 12 and 24 months before returning to routine cervical screening.

Click on the PDF for further information LLETZ Information Sheet

Please discuss your concerns and options for treatment with Dr Brooke O'Brien.
To find out more, contact us today for a confidential discussion.

Book Your Colposcopy Appointment Online

Contact Us

At Nurture Gynaecology, Dr Brooke O’Brien and her women's health team value every single patient. Our practice is located in Everton Park, on the northside of Brisbane.

Contact us today to book your gynaecologist appointment with Dr Brooke O’Brien.

120 Clifford St, Stafford Heights, QLD 4053

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