 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | | Colposcopy and BiopsyThe Pap smear only shows the presence of abnormal cells and is useful simply as a screening test that identifies women who may have preinvasive or early cancerous changes. For a definitive diagnosis, the next step is usually colposcopy, during which the cervix is visualized under low power magnification. The surgeon takes samples of suspicious cells for biopsies. A biopsy will determine the stage of the precancerous growth or whether frankly invasive cancer is present. The Procedure. Colposcopy can be performed in a doctor's office without anesthesia in 10 to 15 minutes. It causes about as much discomfort as mild menstrual cramps: - First, using a speculum to keep the vagina open, the doctor aims a light at the cervix.
- The doctor then looks through the eyepiece of a special microscope, known as a colposcope, to view the cervix. (Some colposcopies include a TV attachment that transmits the picture to a nearby monitor for easier viewing.)
- A biopsy (a sampling of the tissue) is taken of suspicious areas, of the endocervical canal (the inner part of the cervix and uterus), and any abnormal-looking areas. This may cause cramping or pinching.
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Click the icon to see an image of a colposcopy-directed biopsy. |
After the colposcopy, the woman may have a brownish discharge from an iron solution called Monsel's solution, which the doctor applies to prevent bleeding. The doctor usually advises sexual abstinence for one or two weeks. Text Continues Below
Follow-Up Procedures. Women with evidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer require treatment. Women with biopsies that show low-grade abnormal cells (LGSIL) but whose cervix is otherwise normal are generally given follow-up colposcopies.
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