What is colposcopy?

• Introduction
• Abortion
• Amenorrhoea
• Birth Control
• Bladder Symptoms
• Cancer in Women
• Childbirth
• Children and Teenagers
• Diet / Weight Loss
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• HRT
• Hirsutism
• Hysterectomy
• Infections
• Infertility
• Medication Drugs
• Menopause
• Menorrhagia
• Miscarriage
• Painful Sex
• Pap Smear Test
• The Cervix
• Cervical Polyps
• Cervical Erosion
• Cervical Ectropion
• Transformation Zone
• Paptest / Cervical Smear
• Premalignant Cells
• Borderline Smear Result
• Inflammatory Smear Result
• Dyskaryosis / Dysplasia / CIN
• Symptoms and Premalignancy
• Benign and Malignant Tumors
• Cause of Premalignant  Smear
• Colposcopy
• Treating Premalignant Cervix
• Curing Premalignant Cervix
• Preventing Recurrence
• Preventing Cervical Cancer
• HPV Screening
• Support Groups - Premalignancy
• Cervical Cancer
• PCOS
• Pelvic Pain
• PMS
• Postpartum
• Pregnancy
• Self Esteem
• Sexual Problems
• Vaginal Discharge
• Vaginal Prolapse
• Vulval Symptoms

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A special microscope (colposcope;Figure 21.8) allows the gynaecologist to magnify the cervix and define the area of abnormality. The cervix is visualised as when taking a smear. Dilute acetic acid is applied and this makes the abnormal area appear white (aceto-white). The colposcopist then looks at the blood vessel pattern (a green filter assists visualisation). Areas of mosaicism and punctation are examples of commonly seen abnormality (Figure 21.9). With local anaesthetic, tiny biopsies may be taken. These are sent to the laboratory where the pathologist can advise further about the severity (Figure 21.10).

Figure 21.8

 

Figure 21.9

 

Figure 21.10

There is evidence that there is a tendency to anxieity and depression⁰⁸⁰² associated with referral for colposcopy and this has an adverse effect on sexual function.⁰⁸⁰¹

Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-

• A longitudinal study of sexual functioning in women referred for colposcopy: a 2-year follow up.(2008-01)
• Should punch biopsies be used when high-grade disease is suspected at initial colposcopic assessment? A prospective study.(2006-01)
• Management of cervical premalignant lesions. (2005-01)
• A "see and treat" management for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion pap smears. (2003-01)"See and treat" at colposcopy Achieving the standard (2001
• Does histological incomplete excision of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia following large loop excision of transformation zone increase recurrence rates? A six year cytological follow up.?(2000-01)Randomised trial of immediate versus deferred treatment strategies for the management of minor cervical cytological abnormalities. (1997)
  

Please click on the required question.

• 1 What is the cervix?
• 2 What is a cervical polyp?
• 3 What is meant by cervical erosion (ectopy) and cervicitis?
• 4  What is the transformation zone?
• 5 What is a 'Paptest' (PAP test (cervical smear) test) ?
• 6  My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows inflammation. Should I be worried?
• 7  What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre- malignant) cell?
• 8 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows abnormal cells. Does this mean that I have cancer?
• 9  What is meant by the terms pre-malignant cells, dyskaryosis, dysplasia and CIN?
• 10  What are the symptoms of pre-malignancy of the cervix?
• 11  What are benign and malignant tumours?
• 12  Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of my cervix?
• 13  What is colposcopy?
• 14  What treatments are available for pre-malignant conditions of the cervix?
• 15  Can pre-malignant conditions of the cervix be cured?
• 16  How can I be re-assured that the pre-malignant changes will not recur?
• 17  How can we prevent carcinoma of the cervix?
• 18  Is there a reason to screen for HPV?
• 19  Support Groups.
• 20  Are there any support groups?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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  This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

  I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.