why do they ask about results of last smear test?

[foursimplewords]

Just curious really - the specialist has sent me a questionnaire inc. the results of my last smear (low grade changes/abnormal result for me) - is there a link with endo or...?

[C765]

I have low grade abnormal cells in my cervix as well and I asked my endo specialist if it was related it and he said it wasn't. Before I could have a lap I had to have lots of other less invasive tests done to make sure it wasn't anything else and when they all came back clear the last resort was the lap. Because it's an invasive test they didn't want to do it until they checked everything else. It might be because endo has a lot of similar symptoms to cervical cancer so he might be checking you've had it? Not entirely sure thats why but just what I can think of cos when I had my smear I had symptoms of cervical cancer but it was actually the endo symptoms.

I would ask your specialist for the real answer as he might have another answer for it

[foursimplewords in reply to C765]

thank you xx

[Hidden]

As far as I know there's no link - it's just good practice for the gynae to ask (so they can consider any symptoms in the light of a previous abnormal/normal result)

[foursimplewords in reply to Hidden]

thank you xx

[luthien]

the cervix responds to oestrogen and so can have problems of its own. It's useful for the endo specialist to know from a gynae point of view and good care; if it's abnormal they can take biopsies during the op if you like. Also abnormal could be endo on the cervix....which will need treating. If it's low grade or needs further investigation they can check that during the op. If it actually cancer then they need to be careful to either remove it / leave it / make sure they don't cross contaminate from that area to another with cancer cells on the equipment or gloves (ie hysteroscopy to lap).They might as well be thorough!

My abnormal results were cervical ectropion which was treated chemically 4 weeks before the lap, and then during the lap for removal of endo, I had a hysteroscopy and they took biopsies of my cervix - came back fine. They said with a biopsy they can do more detailed tests than a smear, and if you're having a hysteroscopy they might as well.

[foursimplewords in reply to luthien]

thank you xx I have had a biopsy before and they have just decided to monitor it for another year, my review is in July, so I don't think they're too worried about it. x

[luthien in reply to foursimplewords]

it's good that they're monitoring it