Colposcopy

• What is colposcopy?
• Why is colposcopy done?
• How is colposcopy done?
• What special tests are done during colposcopy?
  • Acetic acid wash
  • Use of color filters
  • Biopsy of the cervix
• Based on the colposcopy results, what is the approach to treating cervical abnormalities?
• What should one expect from each of the treatments for cervical abnormalities?
  • Carbon dioxide laser photoablation
  • Cryocautery
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure
  • Cold knife cone biopsy
  • Hysterectomy
• Colposcopy at a Glance
• Related cervical cancer articles:
  Cervical cancer - on WebMD

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a gynecological procedure that allows a physician to look directly at the cervix with a microscope in order to detect and examine abnormalities of the cervix. The cervix is the base of the womb (uterus) and leads out to the birth canal (vagina). During colposcopy, special tests (acetic acid wash, use of color filters, and sampling (biopsy) of tissues from the cervix) can be done. Colposcopy is not to be confused with culdoscopy, which is the insertion of an instrument through the wall of the vagina in order to view the pelvic area behind the vagina.

Why is colposcopy done?

Colposcopy is done in one of two circumstances: either when the result of a Pap smear is abnormal or when the cervix looks abnormal during the collection of a Pap smear. Even if a Pap smear result is normal, colposcopy is ordered when the cervix appears visibly abnormal to the clinician performing the Pap smear. The purpose of the colposcopy is to determine what is causing the abnormal looking cervix or the abnormal Pap smear so that appropriate treatment can be given.

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