Wellington Women’s Colposcopy Clinic
We run a specialist colposcopy clinic for the treatment of abnormal cervical smears. An abnormal cervical smear can start in any age group, but is more common in young women in their twenties and thirties.
An abnormal cervical smear is caused by infection with a virus called Human Papilloma Virus which lives on the skin. The virus gains access to the vagina and cervix usually when sexual activity commences.
An abnormal cervical smear can develop if the virus is one of the types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45. The virus infects the cervical cell and induces the change towards pre-cancer.
An abnormal cervical smear can revert back to normal if the woman has a good immune response. Often repeat smears are requested at 3 or 6 monthly intervals to see if the change back to normal is commencing naturally.
An abnormal smear is usually an early warning sign that further checks are needed. It only rarely indicates cancer. There is a long time between the onset of an abnormal smear and the start of cancer so there is usually plenty of time to screen, examine and treat an abnormal smear before cancer develops.
When referred to the Colposcopy Clinic a history will be taken. An examination with a microscope that does not enter the vagina will be undertaken. Further smears or cultures for HPV may be taken. The abnormal patch of cells shows up when washed with a solution of acetic acid. A small biopsy may be performed.
Many women would like to be treated at the first visit and this is possible.
Either a warm probe called a coagulator will be applied or a small area of tissue from the cervix will be removed. Local anaesthetic is used and the procedure is not painful. It only taken 15 minutes and after the treatment the woman can return to work if she wishes.
These outpatient treatments are quick, efficient, painless and have a high rate of successful cure.
Mrs Patricia Wilson is the gynaecologist who performs the procedure. She has had 20 years experience in this field and is a member of the British Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP). This is the professional body that trains, regulates and audits the work in this field. Mrs Patricia Wilson undergoes regular audits and updates as is required of a professional doctor.
She offers kind and sympathetic treatment and understands that all women with the diagnosis of an abnormal smear feel anxious and vulnerable.
Our clinic is beautifully appointed with the latest equipment, a trained colposcopy nurse and good aftercare. We are one of the top specialist centres in London for Colposcopy and the management of an abnormal smear.
Call our Clinic Administrator on 020 7722 8328 for an appointment.