Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a procedure carried out after some abnormal cervical screening tests. It involves a detailed examination of the neck of the womb (cervix) using a special microscope called a colposcope. It allows the doctor, to see the extent of the abnormal cells and the degree of change in the cells. Treatment of abnormal cervical cells (if needed), can be carried out at colposcopy at the same sitting.
The cervical screening test (Pap smear) is looking for early changes (or abnormalities) in the cervical cells, that, if left untreated, would have the potential to develop into cancer in the future. Pap smear shows if abnormal cells are present but does not show enough detail about the cells.
Colposcopy allows a closer and more detailed look at these abnormal cells. The extent of the area where the abnormal cells are present is shown by applying a special liquid, which stains the abnormal cells. Colposcopy also allows a sample of tissue (a biopsy) to be taken. Exact type of abnormality in the cells can be identified.
Colposcopy examination show cell changes confirmed by a biopsy is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, more commonly known as CIN. Most abnormalities can be treated as an outpatient and so you will not need to stay in hospital. Treatment is nearly always 100 per cent successful and it is unlikely that CIN will recur.
This procedure helps us avoid a lot of unnecessary hysterectomies.
The cervical screening test (Pap smear) is looking for early changes (or abnormalities) in the cervical cells, that, if left untreated, would have the potential to develop into cancer in the future. Pap smear shows if abnormal cells are present but does not show enough detail about the cells.
Colposcopy allows a closer and more detailed look at these abnormal cells. The extent of the area where the abnormal cells are present is shown by applying a special liquid, which stains the abnormal cells. Colposcopy also allows a sample of tissue (a biopsy) to be taken. Exact type of abnormality in the cells can be identified.
Colposcopy examination show cell changes confirmed by a biopsy is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, more commonly known as CIN. Most abnormalities can be treated as an outpatient and so you will not need to stay in hospital. Treatment is nearly always 100 per cent successful and it is unlikely that CIN will recur.
This procedure helps us avoid a lot of unnecessary hysterectomies.