Colposcopy

If your cervical smear screening test shows abnormal cells, you will be asked to have a more detailed test called a colposcopy. It is performed in the same way as a smear test and if your colposcopy shows an area of your cervix that looks abnormal, then biopsies will be taken and sent to be analysed. 

Depending on the result, you may need to have treatment to either remove or destroy the abnormal cells. The usual way to do this is with a large-loop excision (LLETZ), also known as loop excision or loop diathermy. In this procedure, a wire loop is used with an electric current to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix. This is performed under local anaesthetic so it should be painless but painkillers are recommended prior to the procedure to ensure it is as comfortable as possible.

Other treatments that can destroy abnormal cells include:

• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy
• Cold coagulation