counselling
Last reviewed 10/2020
The "positive smear result" is a very frightening thing, especially since it is invariably a woman who otherwise feels entirely well. The mnemonic "precancer" can help in remembering the points that ought to be made (though not necessarily in that order):
- P artner, involve, in particular if there is gross CIN
- R eproduction, mucus, carrying a baby, stenosis
- E mbarrasment, site and stigma - emphasise not promiscuity
- C ontraception, ?barrier method, no need to alter practice
- A etiology, viral
- N atural history, slowness of premalignancy to malignancy
- C olposcopy, what happens
- E radication, outpatient basis, diathermy, cone biopsy
- R esults, keeping patient informed, 95% no more treatment