LAB TEST
Colposcopy - directed biopsy
A colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. Abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of your cervix is called cervical dysplasia. Colposcopy uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This helps your health care provider find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix.
How the Test is Performed
You will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups, to position your pelvis for exam. The provider will place an instrument (called a speculum) into your vagina to see the cervix clearly. The cervix and vagina are gently cleaned with a vinegar or iodine solution. This removes the mucus that covers the surface and…
How to Prepare for the Test
There is no special preparation. You may be more comfortable if you empty your bladder and bowel before the procedure. Before the exam: Do not douche (this is never recommended). Do not place any products into the vagina. Do not have sex for 24 hours before the exam. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or could be…
How the Test will Feel
You may have some discomfort when the speculum is placed inside your vagina. It may be more uncomfortable than a regular Pap test . Some women feel a slight sting from the cleansing solution. You may feel a pinch or cramp each time a tissue sample is taken. You may have some cramping or slight bleeding after the…
Why the Test is Performed
Colposcopy is done to detect cervical cancer and changes that may lead to cervical cancer. It is most often done when you have had an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test. It may also be recommended if you have bleeding after sexual intercourse. Colposcopy may also be done when your provider sees abnormal areas on your…
Normal Results
A smooth, pink surface of the cervix is normal. A specialist called a pathologist will examine the tissue sample from the cervical biopsy and send a report to your provider. Biopsy results most often take 1 to 2 weeks. A normal result means there is no cancer and no abnormal changes were seen.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Your provider should be able to tell you if anything abnormal was seen during the test, including: Abnormal patterns in the blood vessels Areas that are swollen, worn away, or wasted away (atrophic) Cervical polyps Genital warts Whitish patches on the cervix Abnormal biopsy results may be due to changes that can lead…
Risks
After the biopsy, you may have some bleeding for up to a week. You may have mild cramping, your vagina may feel sore, and you may have a dark discharge for 1 to 3 days. A colposcopy and biopsy will not make it more difficult for you to become pregnant, or cause problems during pregnancy. Contact your provider right…
References
Bixel K, Ramaswamy B, Christian B, Cohn DE. Malignancy and pregnancy. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 56. Khan MJ, Werner CL, Darragh TM, et al. ASCCP colposcopy standards: role of…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 31/03/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.