Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy
Colposcopy is a special method of examining the cervix and surrounding tissue. An instrument called a colposcope magnifies the cervix about 15 times, allowing the clinician to check carefully for abnormalities. When an abnormality is found, a tissue sample is taken, improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
There are a number of reasons that colposcopy may be recommended, including an abnormal Pap smear, an unusual appearing area on your cervix, or the presence of certain medical conditions. Your need for colposcopy merely means that your cervix needs careful examination.
What is a Colposcopy?
A Colposcopy is a painless examination of the cervix and vagina with a colposcope. This exam usually is done between menstrual periods and generally takes less than ten minutes. A woman lies down in the position used to take a Pap smear and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to give a view of the cervix and vagina. After cleansing the cervix with a special solution, the clinician uses the colposcope from outside the vagina, like binoculars. Most of the time is spent just looking at the cervix and vagina through the colposcope.
What is a colposcope?
A colposcope is like a set of binoculars with a bright light mounted on a stand, used to look at the cervix and vagina under magnification.
Why are some women advised to have colposcopy? If the Pap smear indicates the presence of abnormal cells or if the cervix looks abnormal, colposcopy may help in diagnosis and in planning of treatment.
It is impossible to diagnose diseases or other problems simply by looking at the cervix with the naked eye. A magnified view is necessary to find any abnormalities, or to show that the cervical areas in question are not cause for concern. When abnormal areas are found, colposcopy helps to determine the areas where biopsies should be taken.
What is a biopsy of the cervix?
Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the cervix using a specially designed instrument. One or more biopsies may be necessary during your colposcopy. This tissue then is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope by a doctor. The findings are sent to Planned Parenthood. No examination or test is one hundred percent accurate, and no guarantee can be made about the correctness of the diagnosis. Planned Parenthood will contact you regarding the results.
|
