Ive been told I need to have a colposcopy. What happens during one of these and how important is it?

Answer 1

If you have had an abnormal pap smear come back, it is very important for you to have the colposcopy. There are several times that this comes back fine, showing nothing more than squamous (benign) cells on the cervical surface but an abnormal pap can also be an indicator of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. It really is safest to have it done to be sure. Cervical cancer can be beat easily if found early enough but it can also spread quickly to other internal organs.

During a colposcopy, they will use a speculum to open the vaginal canal. Then they will generally slightly numb the cervix and swab an iodiine solution on the cervix. This causes any abnormal cells to become disoclored so they are easier to see. Then they biopsy those areas and send them to pathology. You generally get the results in 7-10 days. It can be uncomfortable but you shouldn't feel any deep or sharp pain. Mainly just uncomfortable cramping. I definitely suggest not skipping the test! As a cervical cancer survivor myself, I can't stress enough the importance of a colposcopy!

Answer 2

Coloposcopy is a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities found in Pap smears. A colposcopy is a visual examination of the cervix--a relatively simple and painless procedure, usually performed in your physician's office. The actual procedure lasts approximately ten to fifteen minutes.

A colposcopy seems much like a Pap smear, however, there a few important differences. You are positioned on the examination table as in a Pap smear, however acetic acid (such as, common table vinegar) is placed on the cervix which causes the cervical cells to fill with water so light will not pass through them.

Another difference that you will notice is that your physician uses a colposcope to view your cervix. A colposcope is a large, electric microscope that is positioned approximately 30 cm from your vagina. A bright light on the end of the colposcope makes it possible for your physician to visualize your cervix.

Your physician focuses on the areas where no light passes through. Abnormal cervical changes are seen as white areas, the whiter the area, the worse the dysplasia. Abnormal blood vessel changes are also apparent through the colposcope. Abnormal vascular changes can occur in dysplasia. Typically, worse the vascular changes are the worse the dysplasia.

If your physician is able to view the entire abnormal area through the colposcope, a tissue sample or biopsy is taken from the whitest abnormal areas and sent to the lab for further evaluation.

Cryosurgery or a freezing of the abnormal cells may be performed next and, in some cases, can make this a diagnostic/ treatment procedure in one. If your physician, is unable to view the entire abnormal area, as when the abnormal area extends inside the cervix, another procedure such as a Cone biopsy or LEEP procedure is performed.

This is very good to go to because they have found something in your vaginal area that is abnormal. Not meaning that you have something deformed but that you have cells that have set off the abnormal pap smear and now they must figure out what it is and if it need to be cured or what to do about it. This is a good thing and GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

Did your pap smear come back abnormal, showing possible early signs of cervical cancer? If yes, then the colposcopy is done to look at those cells further.

The colposcope (the name of the instrument) is like a set of binoculars that is used to get a better look at the cervix (and sometimes vagina if there are issues there) and those cells after a special stain is applied to the area. They take some of the cells at that time to send off for further analysis. Then depending on that they figure out what the next step will be.

Did the dr tell you exactly why you were having this done? If not, then the first question I recommend asking is to find out why you need it.

I hope that this is of some help to you.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colposcopy

Colposcopy
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A colposcopy or colcoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a colposcope is utilized to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix, the tissue of the vagina, and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics which can be detected with a thorough colposcopic examination. The enlarged view provided by the colposcope allows the colposcopist to visually distinguish normal from abnormal appearing tissue and take directed biopsies for further pathological examination. The prevention of cervical cancer through the early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions is the principal goal of colposcopy. It was developed in 1925 by the German physician, Dr.Hans Hinselmann.

Answer 5

I needed to have as my smear tests wore coming back inconclusive. I when I had one it involved passing a small camera in to find the cervix. I found the whole procedure a lot easier and quicker than a smear test.

PS There is not necessarily anything wrong at all.