What is Squamous Metaplasia?
Q.I have just received a colposcopy result that confirmed 'squamous metaplasia'. Can you tell me what that is, and what happens next?
A.
Squamous metaplasia is a medical term used to describe the changes occurring to the cells in certain tissues of the body. The title often causes concern for women who initially may be frightened when they hear such a complicated medical term, however there is no need to worry about these findings as they naturally occur in women during certain times of their life.
The cervix is made up of many different types of cells each having their own medical name and these unfamiliar terms can cause alarm to those women who hear them without being given any adequate interpretation of their meaning. When these terms are coupled with expressions such as 'cell changes' or 'colposcopy' it is understandable to see why women feel slightly unnerved and worried about their health and diagnosis.
When you have a smear test of colposcopy the healthcare professional carrying out the test will be trained to look for certain changes to the cells of the cervix along with interpreting results provided by the laboratory in order to make an informed and detailed assessment of your individual circumstance and health.
As squamous metaplasia is a naturally occurring process, the changes are not considered to be dangerous or increase the risk of cervical cancer, however this does not mean that you should stop having a regular smear or report any changes such as discomfort during intercourse, abnormal bleeding such as after the menopause, between periods or after sex or any vaginal discharge that is odourous or blood stained.
The chance of developing pre-cancerous or cancerous cells of the cervix continue to exist, even after a healthy smear or colposcopy so you must stay up-to-date with any screening procedures offered to you.
For now though, you can relax and feel safe in the knowledge that your cervical cells are undergoing natural changes that do not pose any immediate risk to your health and well-being.
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