Lletz treatment advice
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6 posts since
23 Oct 2019
Hi all
I have just recieved results from my 4th consecutive colposcopy. Each time ive been it has not changed much. The results from this time are smear: moderate changes and biopsy unstageable abnormalities. I really struggle with the biopsy and have had to have gas and air last time which just about did the trick (i know I’m a wuss haha). How does the treatment compare? They have made the follow up very quickly (next Wednesday) is this anything to be concerned about?
Also i have heard some horror stories about LLETZ and although I think its necessary at this stage, I am a little apprehensive. Would anyone be able to share their experiences positive or negative to help me weigh up my options? Ive heard about it causing longer term problems such as sexual apathy. Im only 26 and have never had children so want to take the least invasive route. I could potentially hold off another 6 months and see if there’s any improvement but to be honest I also want it off my mind at this point. Some experiences would be really appreciated as i don’t really have anyone to ask questions with the covid situation i dont want to take up any of their time! Thanks in advance:)
926 posts since
5 Feb 2018
Hello and thanks for contacting us
You have posted in the ask the nurses section of cancer chat and you are asking for other peoples experiences of the LLETZ procedure whilst anyone is welcome to comment here you may find it useful to post in another section of the forum as well.
I’m sure you know this already but the cervical screening programme is all about the prevention of cervical cancer. By detecting any abnormality that is then monitored or treated until the cervix return to normal prevents the risk of cancer cells from developing.
I am sorry to hear you are needing to have treatment to remove some abnormal cells from your cervix. I think it is fair to say everyone who needs to have this procedure feels a little worried and apprehensive before they have it but hopefully it won’t be as bad as you expect. Do tell them how uncomfortable you found the biopsy to be prior to having the treatment just so they are aware and can give you some things to help. You can read more about LLETZ here.
Treatment wouldn’t be offered unless they thought necessary and bear in mind that so many women go through this type of treatment everyday without any problems so please try not to worry or over think things. Having LLETZ doesn’t affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Very occasionally if women require several treatments it can weaken the cervix that may cause a premature birth however they will usually insert a stitch to the cervix in pregnancy if necessary to prevent this if thought to be a problem.
Hopefully with treatment the cervix will return to normal and you can then return to the regular 3 yearly screening programme. Sometimes more than one treatment is needed but the results after the treatment will be discussed with you by the team and then a test of cure smear is carried out 6 months down the line to check for any abnormality.
I hope this has been helpful to you. As I say i’m sure other forum members will be happy to share their stories with you but do remember everyone is different and no two stories are the same. Do get back in touch if you need to or if you would like to talk things through over the phone with one of the nurses our number is 0808 800 4040. We are here Mon-Fri 9am till 5pm.
Wishing you all the best
Naomi
6 posts since
23 Oct 2019
Hi Naomi
Thank you for responding to my question so quickly. I copied and pasted from jostrust which is why it asks for opinions but I saw I could ask a nurse on here which I thought would be useful.
I do have a couple of follow up questions if this is okay. The letter says smear showed moderate abnormalities and the biospy showed ungraded abnormalities. What does ungraded mean? On two occasions my smear has differed from the biopsy which has me really confused. Is the smear more sensitive sometimes? Im trying to keep rational but its making me worry that they’ve missed something. I know how unlikely that is though but think I just need some reassurance.
Also, are sedatives ever offered for LLeTZ procedure if someone is extremely anxious? My GP wouldn’t give me any for the biopsy and said it was down to the hospital to make that decision. But likewise they said they couldnt offer me sedatives at my last appointment. I know how important it is to have the treatment and don’t want them not to be able to perform the procedure when I get there because I’m too anxious to let them do it. I had gas and air last time but it doesn’t last for after the procedure which I actually find to be the worst bit, and have found it very traumatic previously. Just don’t know what to do because I don’t want to waste mine and their time at the appointment and my GP is very opposed to prescribing me anything.
Thanks again
926 posts since
5 Feb 2018
Hello again and thanks for getting back in touch
I can appreciate you are worried about what these results might mean and that something could have been missed. Try not to worry or read too much into the wording of the report. From what I can understand ungraded means that histopathology ( where they look at the sample under a microscope) has been unable to grade some of the cells. This doesn’t mean anything more serious is going on and the important thing is that you are under the care of colposcopy team.
Up until now they they have been monitoring you closely and allowing time for your own body to get rid of the abnormal cells. But the time has come where it seems they feel it is right to offer you treatment to remove these abnormality and to prevent these developing into anything nasty.
The cervical screening smear and a biopsy are very different tests and give different types of information. Cervical screening is simply a brush of the cells of the cervix that picks up any sign of abnormality. HPV is now the first test of cervical screening if this is positive then the sample is then looked at in cytology to check for any abnormal looking cells. All levels of abnormal cells detected from a cervical smear are then referred to colposcopy where they can be examined more closely to determine if treatment is needed. Often at colposcopy further tests are carried out involving a biopsy which is where tissue samples are taken from the abnormal areas seen. This confirms the type of abnormality and will guide what needs to happen next in terms of treatment.
A smear test reports these abnormalities as either low, moderate or severe grade changes. It is possible that in the time between someone having their smear to going for colposcopy a change to cells happen. This can be the body clearing the abnormal cells during that time but equally it is possible for the cells to have changed in severity as well.
The cervical abnormalities assessed through a colposcopy biopsy are known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasm (CIN) graded as 1,2 or 3 ( 1 mild requiring no treatment at 2 and 3 that are usually offered treatment), you can read more about here. CIN is not cancer and very rarely is cervical cancer cells diagnosed as it often takes many years for abnormal cells to change into cancer and that’s if they ever do.
In terms of the procedure that you are so concerned about whilst I am aware they sometimes carry out treatment under general anaesthetic this is usually for more complicated treatment removal and can cause more risks to a patient. I would however discuss your anxiety about the procedure with the colposcopy clinic to see what else they can offer you.
Wishing you all the best
Take care
Naomi
1 posts since
30 Apr 2020
Hello!
i had my biopsy results back last week with CIN2 confirmed and was booked in for LLETZ, which I had done yesterday.
I didn’t find the biopsy too uncomfortable but felt light-headed afterwards (shouldn’t have looked at the screen!!), but I was quite apprehensive about the LLETZ becuase I’m scared of needles and knew they would put anaesthetic in the cervix. I wish I had known in advance that I had nothing to worry about – i barely felt the injection and probably wouldn’t have noticed there even was one if I hadn’t known the doctor was doing it! Then you feel absolutely nothing and it’s all over with quickly – I was in for about max 25 mins including the talk and pregnancy test beforehand, and after care talk. I felt slight period pains (on the way home) about 30 mins later after the anaesthetic wore off, but that seemed to disappear after an hour or so and felt normal. Trust me that it’s not going to be anywhere near as bad as you expect and don’t listen to the horrible stories! I found it a really positive experience (considering!) and if anything it was better than the biopsy (for me anyway!)
Good luck : ) (I’m 31 and have no children yet)
6 posts since
23 Oct 2019
Hi thank you so for your advice and responses. It’s very reassuring to hear stories that aren’t horrifying! Unfortunately I can’t sleep tonight because I’m worrying so much about this procedure I’m actually in tears at the thought of it. I know it’s necessary and i have to have it done but the thought of the procedure and the after effects (psychologically) are causing me a lot of anxiety. I have tried to ask my gp to prescribe me diazepam for a biopsy previously and she near enough had a go at me saying she would never prescribe that for that procedure. This has me really upset because correct me if I’m wrong they give diazepam for other unpleasant procedures like colonoscopy. Is that to relax the muscles though?? My gp said she wouldn’t be happy with me not being fully “in control ” in such a vulnerable procedure, but surely it’s my choice? It’s not like I’m drugseeking i literally want a prescription for one dose of diazepam! Please can someone advise me I don’t know where to turn!
Also I can’t take anyone in with all the virus stuff going on which they would usually advise 
I live with my dad so obviously that isn’t an option…
903 posts since
25 Jun 2018
Hello and thanks for your post
It’s natural to be worried and anxious about treatment procedures and I can understand your concerns.
The majority of people will say that although the treatment isn’t very pleasant, it is doable.Doctors are sometimes wary of giving a relaxant, as it can knock some people out, and that could be a problem, especially with getting back home again and understanding what is happening during the treatment.
Diazepam may not be given, but it may be worth having another a chat with a GP in the surgery about how fearful you are, and whether another drug could be given. Some people find it helpful to take in some headphones to listen to music and distract your mind from what is going on.
Also, when you go in for your treatment, do tell the nurses about how you feel- they will understand this is difficult for you.Hopefully you can get the gas and air again for the LLetz too, although as you say, it’s reassuring that Steel 88 has said she thought it much better than the biopsies.
All the best to you and I hope the treatment will be over soon for you
Wanda
6 posts since
23 Oct 2019
Thanks again for following up with more information, I think I just needed a little rant because the covid situation means I am less able to ask questions beforehand and take someone with me for support. I plan to try and ring them tomorrow, although I am at work all day and don’t have my phone with me.
One final question in case I don’t have the opportunity to ask them tomorrow, will the lletz get rid of the HPV also? I ask this as I’ve had this for 2 years and it hasn’t gone anywhere. I worry that I will still have it after lletz and the cells will come back again
Thanks again, I really appreciate having this support available
252 posts since
9 Jun 2011
Hello Sabre3 and thanks for getting back to us.
The LLETZ will take away the bulk of the HPV infected tissue and the idea is that by reducing the viral load (the amount of virus there is), it is easier for the immune system to get on top of what might be left behind. Also the procedure itself, by creating a small injury, may trigger some degree of immune activity in that part of the body. There is no guarantee that HPV will clear, but it often does .
Six months after a LLETZ they usually ask you for a check up smear and look for HPV so you should know by then.
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes,
Julia
6 posts since
23 Oct 2019
Hi again
I had my LLETZ last week and it went better than I had expected as I was offered gas and air. Thank you for your advice and reassurances. I haven’t been too anxious waiting for results as nothing was mentioned on the day but have just got home and recieved a letter from my local trust about covid. It reads “your clinical team will review your clinical information throughout the coming weeks before making any decisions in terms of pausing your care…apologise that your care is not going ahead in the timescale. If you feel your clinical condition is deteriorating ring 111”
I know its a bit irrational but should i be concerned about this? Or is it likely a letter being sent to every patient on the records? I will try and make contact with the clinic or my gp in the next few days but thought i would reach out for advice on here too as this has made me more anxious
Thanks in advance
926 posts since
5 Feb 2018
Hello and thanks for getting back in touch
I’m pleased to hear you had the LLetz treatment and it went better than you expected it to.
I wouldn’t read too much into the letter you received. The important thing is that you have had treatment to remove the abnormal areas in your cervix. Whilst we are aware some people are experiencing delays to screening appointments and treatment this doesn’t appear to have affected your care so far and even if the results are delayed this is unlikely to affect things for you.
Try not to worry or over think things if you can. By all means contact the clinic or your GP to see if they can tell you any more. I have to say because you have had LLetz treatment the next step is probably going to be for you to be reassessed in 6 months for what is known as ‘test of cure’ where they check the cervix has returned to normal.
I hope this helps but do get back in touch if you need to. Or if you would prefer to speak to a nurse on our helpline the number to call is 0808 800 4040 we are here Mon-Fri 9am till 5pm.
Best wishes
Naomi
1 posts since
20 Aug 2020
Hi, My name is Marie and I had LLEZT 9 days ago. It was shocking how quick the procedure was and the ladies were amazing, couldn’t have asked for better. I had very minute amount of discharge and only started bleeding yesterday but for me the bloid is less than an average period, although it does say it can get heavier. I was fortunate not to have any period like pains and so far all seems to be well. I am waiting on my biopsy results as my smear came back as CIN3 so they have to do LLETZ at that stage. I am very anxious for the results but also grateful they have picked this up and dealt with is so fast. The main thing i am upset about is that I have been advised not to try for a baby until after the results of my next smear in 6 months and we have been trying for a year and a half. We fhave recently found we need fertility help so this is delaying us more however, i would rather this now so I can be healthy and ready to be a Mum. If I didnt get this done and this wasnt picked up then things could be much worse. Yes its inconvenient but whats the point of life of you are not going to look after yourself to live long enough to enjoy it. I understand why you are not rushing for it if it can cause infertility but leaving abnornal cells could cause a worse outcome. It seems to be a horrible catch 22 as you dont know what is round the corner. It could take away your chances possibly of being a Mum but so could leaving it to possibly get worse. Only you can make that call I’m afraid. I didnt have a choice, since my last smear 3 years ago (which was completly clear) i had already got the the later stage where there was no option but having the LLETZ. Whatever you do I wish you all the best xx
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