SCOTTISH laboratories are currently experiencing a delay in returning cervical test results to patients.

NHS Scotland has insisted the problem is being monitored and it will not lead to delays for those requiring further treatment following a smear test.

The standard timeline for results to be returned is two weeks, however, patients have been advised to wait until 8 weeks after the examination before contacting their GP regarding unreturned results.

The Glasgow Times Don't Fear the Smear campaign has called on the health board to tackle waiting times, while also encourage an increase in the uptake of smear exams.

READ MORE: Glasgow Times launches new campaign

Receiving the results is often the most daunting part of the procedure and it can take several forms.

For most people, the results are negative meaning no human papillomavirus (HPV) and the patient can wait another five years for their next routine appointment.

The results letter may also state that HPV was found, but there were no cell changes which will mean the patient would be invited for another smear test in 12 months’ time. This is to ensure the HPV has cleared.

There is no cure for the virus, however, as previously reported, the body tends to remove it on its own thus only monitoring is required at this stage.

If both HPV and cell changes have been discovered, more examinations will need to take place at a specialist clinic.

Sometimes further treatment isn’t necessary, and, in this case, you will be referred for further testing.

Most patients will undergo a colposcopy where a microscope with a large light is used to offer a more thorough exam and solutions will be added to highlight the abnormal areas of the cervix.

The process will feel very similar to that of a smear test and should take around the same length of time.

READ MORE: Glasgow campaigners slam year long wait for follow-up smear exam

However, it’s possible that the procedure will take longer if treatment is carried out, such as a biopsy or, in some cases, the abnormal cells will be able to be dealt with at that point.

As with a smear test, it can feel uncomfortable but if there is any pain, medical staff are on hand to help.

Results should take around four weeks and, be it normal or abnormal cells, most people will only require monitoring.

The most common form of treatment is known as a large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) which uses a heated wire loop to remove abnormal cells.

If cervical cancer is detected, patients will be quickly referred to specialist teams who will assist with further treatment.

Experts say the key is to not worry too much as early intervention has proven to greatly improve survival rates.

Key phrases:

Dyskaryosis

This is another word for cell changes. Your letter may detail what scale the changes are, such borderline, low or high grade, and what the next steps will be.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)

This is a change to the squamous cells on the outer surface of the cervix. It is the most common form of cell changes and does not mean a person has cervical cancer. It can be monitored by medical staff. Often, a number will appear indicating the level of changes which have been noted. CIN1 is a low grade with changes spotted one-third deep into the outer surface of the cervix, these are typically monitored. CIN2 is a high grade with cells being two-thirds deep, this can be monitored or treated depending on the patient. CIN3 is high grade meaning the cells are the full surface and will usually require treatment.

Cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN)

This is a change to the glandular cells inside the cervical canal. It is ranked as either low or high grade and is usually treated. It is the second most common form of abnormal cells but, it does not mean a patient has cervical cancer.

SMILE

There are other forms of cell changes which are much rarer than CIN or CGIN. SMILE, which stands for stratified mucin-producing intraepithelial lesion, is one such form. It is treated in a similar fashion to CGIN. Again, patients with SMILE do not automatically have cervical cancer.

LLETZ

Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is a surgical treatment for abnormal cells which removes a small part of the cervix. It's traditionally carried out under local anaesthetic as an outpatient and is the most common form of treatment for cell changes. It can also be used to diagnose cervical cancer or treat the disease in its early stages. Following the treatment, there may be some bleeding and discomfort with side effects known to last as long as four weeks. During this time, it's advised to avoid tampons or menstrual cups; sex; heavy exercise; swimming or long baths. A follow-up will take place, however, when that would be depends on the reason for the procedure meaning it varies from patient to patient.

Cone biopsy

A surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. This can be done to treat cell changes and early-stage cervical cancer, as well as to diagnose the disease. The surgery will typically be carried out under general anaesthetic and a catheter may be inserted as a result. It will be removed shortly after surgery. Following the procedure, it's, again, advised to avoid tampons or menstrual cups; sex; heavy exercise; swimming or long baths. A follow-up will take place, however, when that would be depends on the reason for the procedure meaning it varies from patient to patient.

Cryotherapy (or cryocautery)

This is a cold probe to freeze off cell changes. It's typically done as an outpatient without anaesthetic as it shouldn't be painful. It can, however, cause period-like cramping or a warm feeling through the body. A follow-up appointment would take place at a later date. Bleeding or discharge is a common side effect. After the procedure, it's recommended to avoid tampons or menstrual cups for around four weeks.

Cold coagulation (or diathermy)

This is a hot probe used to burn away cell changes. It's usually carried out as an outpatient under local anaesthetic. It shouldn't feel painful, although it's common to experience period-like cramping. A follow-up would take place at a later date. Again, it's advised to avoid tampons or menstrual cups for around four weeks after the procedure.

Laser therapy (or laser ablation)

This treatment uses a laser beam to burn away cell changes under a local anaesthetic. It is usually carried out as an outpatient. Patients may smell burning during the procedure, however, this just means the laser is working and is no cause for concern. A follow-up would take place at a later date. Patients are advised to avoid tampons or menstrual cups for around four weeks after the procedure.