CSL is an Australian company involved in the development, manufacture and distribution of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
During a routine health check my GP suggested I was also long overdue for a Pap smear. The whole procedure was pretty painless and I forgot all about it until the following week when my GP asked me to come in for another appointment. Apparently my Pap smear results showed abnormal cells at a stage called CIN 3. She arranged for me to see a gynaecologist a few days after where they examined me further and scheduled me for a day procedure in hospital to remove the abnormal cells from my cervix. Six weeks later at my follow up examination with the gynaecologist I had another Pap smear and the results were all clear. It all happened so fast but I am so grateful to my GP. Now I make sure I have regular Pap smears.
Louise, 29 years
Glossary
Not sure about what something you have read on this website means? Check this handy glossary for definitions of terms used to talk about HPV and cervical cancer.
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | w | x | y | z
B
Benign:
Not malignant. A condition that is called benign may mean that the cells are different, but they are not cancerous.
Biopsy of the Cervix:
When a small piece of the cervix which is removed for examination under a microscope.
C
Cells:
The building blocks of the body. Our body tissues and organs are made up of millions of cells. Each cell is usually invisible to the naked eye.
Cervical cancer:
A malignant disease in the neck of the uterus (womb), located at the top of the vagina.
Cervix:
The neck of the uterus (womb) located at the top of the vagina.
Colposcopy:
The examination of the cervix and vagina with a magnifying instrument called a colposcope, to check for abnormalities.
Cone biopsy:
The removal of a cone-shaped section of the cervix, sometimes used as treatment of high-grade abnormalities or early cervical cancer.
H
High grade abnormality:
A term to describe the more serious changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer. These changes require treatment and careful follow-up care.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
A group of viruses that can cause infection in the surface of different areas of the body, including the genital area. The virus can cause visible warts or may only cause microscopic changes in the cells of the skin.
Hysterectomy:
Surgical removal of the uterus (womb).
Low grade abnormality:
Less severe changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes need careful follow-up care but probably won't need treatment.
N
National Cervical Screening Program:
An Australia-wide systematic approach to cervical screening that is reducing the incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer.
P
Pap smear:
A screening procedure to look for cell changes that might lead to cervical cancer. If these changes are detected and managed early, up to 90% of the most common type of cervical cancer may be prevented.
Pre-cancerous:
A word that is sometimes used to describe a condition which, if left untreated, may go on to become cancerous.
S
Speculum:
an instrument that looks like a duck bill with handles. It is used to hold open the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be examined.
