In this Article

• 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
• Colposcopy Index

Colposcopy at a Glance

• Colposcopy is a procedure used by physicians physicians that provides a magnified and illuminated view of the vulva, vaginal walls, and uterine cervix.
  
  
• This procedure is often done to evaluate an abnormal appearing cervix or an abnormal Pap smear result.
  
  
• Special tests are done during colposcopy, including acetic acid wash, use of color filters, and sampling (biopsy) of tissues.
  
  
• Cervical abnormalities include pre-cancer (dysplasia), which can be mild, moderate, or severe, and cancer.
  
  
• The type of treatment procedure chosen by the physician depends on the severity of the cervical abnormality, which is determined by analysis of the colposcopy biopsy sample.
  
  
• The treatments for cervical abnormalities include the destruction (ablation) procedures -- cryocautery and carbon dioxide laser -- and the removal (resection) procedures -- loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cold knife conization, and hysterectomy.
  
  
• In general, the destruction procedures are done for the milder cervical abnormalities, while the removal procedures are done for the more severe ones.
  
  
• Except for hysterectomy, which is almost always used for invasive cancer and is rarely used for dysplasia, the treatments are all safe enough to be performed in the doctor's office.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
• Hysterectomy - Learn about hysterectomy procedures and options available for women. There are many types of hysterectomy surgeries including a total, radical, laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical, and oophorectomy. The type of hysterectomy procedure will depend upon the reason for the procedure.

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