Vault Smear

[Deb-b]

My doctor and the cervical screening program are refusing me my regular 3 year (very reassuring) vault smear test, saying I am a negligible risk. I had total hysterectomy 20 yr ago through cancer and get reassurance and , up til now, relief from the procedure. Has anyone any idea where I stand legally, and if need be how much ,and where can I have one privately.i live in Cornwall .

[Sparkles62]

This may seem a really thick question Deb,
but if you have had a total hysterectomy how can you have a smear test,
or do they leave the cervix when they do a total?

[Sqad]

Sparkles...depends upon the type of hysterectomy....if it is total...the the cervix goes as well.
Deb....if you had a total hysterectomy for a non malignant condition e.g endometriosis, then you do not need "vault smears."

[Sqad]

Deb...just had another thought....if you had had normal Pap cervical smears for about 5 years (I think) then vault smears would not be necessary.

[Sycamore3House]

I had a radical hysterectomy in 2001 due to cervical cancer. Up until last year I had a vault smear test every year. The last one I had was in January 2012. The results came back negative once again.
Whilst visiting my GP over something else I mentioned that I was getting a little fed up with the tests and how long would I need to take them for.
She looked at my notes from the consultant that stated "Vault smears to be done annually for five years"
So after 10 years my GP said that I did not need another one in my life but would check with the consultant. The next day the consultants secretary rang to say that the GP info was correct.

[Deb-b]

Thank you for your helpful information . I should try and relax now then a bit, with healthy neg results for so long.even though my hysterectomy was because of cervical cancer. I am very nervous as I have had another cancer since (now in remission).But once again thanks for your responses.

[Sycamore3House]

Just a little update.

I had a letter in yesterday's post from the central NHS Cervical Screening program. It stated that as I no longer have a cervix I am being removed from the schedule. No more tests for me.
I am so thankful though for the tests being available (I was only 36 when I had my op) as I may not be here now typing this update.
All in all I had a life saving operation which really for more reasons than one gave me a new lease of life.

[Sqad]

That sounds very reasonable.....thanks for the update.