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colposcopy
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Colposcopy Dr. Kawita Bapat
What is a Colposcopy? A colposcopy is a detailed examination
of the cervix using an instrument called a colposcope
It allows the colposcopist to see the type and area of abnormality on the cervix
Where is Colposcopy done?Colposcopy is done in the
colposcopy clinic in the hospital
It is done by Doctors or Nurses who are qualified colposcopists
Click here for list of Certificated Colposcopists
When is a colposcopy needed? There are several reasons a woman
may be referred for colposcopy:- Following a smear result showing
abnormal cells This is not unusual; about 1 in 10 smears
is abnormal This may mean a few cells are at risk of
becoming cancerous in the future
When is colposcopy needed?
When a woman’s last three smears have been inadequate This does not mean abnormal cells were
found but means it was not possible to check the health of the cells from the smear test
Approximately 1 in 50 smears is inadequate
When is colposcopy needed? A woman may be referred for
colposcopy when further investigation is required because of symptoms e.g bleeding or discharge
The woman’s GP may refer her if they are concerned about the appearance of the cervix
What does a Colposcopy involve?A speculum is used
to view the cervixDifferent liquids
are dabbed onto the cervix which help to show up abnormal areas
The colposcopist will look at these areas using the colposcope
What does a colposcopy involve? In some clinics the
woman can watch the examination on a TV monitor
Pictures of the cervix may be taken to store with her hospital records
What does a colposcopy involve? If any abnormal
areas are identified a biopsy may be taken
This may cause a slight stinging sensation
A biopsy will give a definite diagnosis
What does a colposcopy involve? The colposcopist may be able to offer
treatment at the time of the examination
If they have taken a biopsy they may wait for the results before doing treatment
Who will need treatment? Treatment may be advised if results
show CIN - Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
CIN is sometimes referred to as pre-cancerous cells
CIN is divided into 3 types• CIN 1 - Slight changes in cells• CIN 2 - Moderate changes in cells• CIN 3 - More severe changes in cells
What does treatment mean? Treatment involves removing or
destroying the area of abnormal cells
All treatments are usually done in the clinic with a local anaesthetic
How can CIN be treated?
What are the treatments?LLETZ – large loop
excision of the transformation zone (sometimes known as DLE, DLB or Loop Biopsy).
This removes abnormal cells using a small wire loop
What are the treatments? Cold coagulation and diathermy destroy
abnormal cells using heat
Cryocautery freezes abnormal cells
Laser treatment uses a beam of light to destroy abnormal cells
What are the treatments?A few women will
need a cone biopsy
This removes a small area of the cervix and is usually done under a general anaesthetic
Following a colposcopy examination Following a colposcopy examination a
woman should be able to continue with normal routine
She may have a blood stained discharge if she had a biopsy
A sanitary pad should be worn Sex should be avoided for 7 days to
reduce the risk of infection
Following treatment If she has had treatment she may need
to take it easy for the rest of the day Tampons should not be used for one
month Sexual intercourse should be avoided
for one month Heavy blood loss, vaginal discharge or
severe pain should be reported to the clinic
Does the treatment work? Treatment is nearly always 100%
successful However some women may need
treatment repeating Regular follow up is very important
Follow up Women who have had abnormal smear
tests or treatment for CIN will have smear tests more often for a time afterwards
How can you help? Update your knowledge and skills
regularly Ensure you are giving the correct
information Provide appropriate resources – leaflets,
picture books, factsheets If you need any further help or advice
please contact us……
