Question 1

1) What is colposcopy?

Accepted Answer

A colposcopy is a type of cervical cancer test and provides a way for your physician to get a microscopic view of your cervix so he or she can see if there are still abnormal cells and, if so, what type of cells are they. The colposcope looks like a large set of binoculars and the colposcopy is considered noninvasive since the colposcope does not penetrate your body.

Question 2

2) What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

Once cervical cancer develops, the first signs include:

abnormal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
periods that are heavier than usual
bleeding after sex

Question 3

3) What happens during colposcopy and biopsy?

Accepted Answer

The patient lies down on an exam table like she would for a pelvic exam. The doctor or nurse puts a speculum into her vagina and opens it. They wash the patient's cervix with a vinegar-like solution which makes it easier to see abnormal cells. Next, they look at the patient's cervix through a colposcope. The colposcope doesn’t touch the patient or goes inside the patient. If the doctor or nurse sees something that doesn’t look normal, they perform a biopsy.

Question 4

4) How much time does colposcopy take?

Accepted Answer

A colposcopy and biopsy only take about 5-10 minutes.

Question 5

5) Why is this test performed?

Accepted Answer

A colposcopy is usually done if the patient's Pap test results are abnormal. The purpose of colposcopy is to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and surrounding tissues and try to detect abnormal cells called precancerous cells.

Question 6

6) How often should the colposcopy be performed?

Accepted Answer

Doctors recommend this procedure when it is required to get a clearer look at the vagina, cervix, or surrounding tissues. However, you should get your colposcopy within 3 months of receiving an abnormal Pap result.

Question 7

7) Are there any risks of colposcopy?

Accepted Answer

Although it is generally considered safe, colposcopy does have some risk of side effects or complications. These include:

abdominal pain
heavy bleeding
infection

Question 8

8) Does the procedure hurt?

Accepted Answer

A colposcopy is nearly pain-free and the patient might only feel pressure when the speculum goes in. It might also sting or burn a little when they wash the cervix with the vinegar-like solution.

Question 9

9) What is the recovery like for colposcopy?

Accepted Answer

If the colposcopy does not involve a biopsy, then the chances of requiring recovery is very less. If a biopsy was done, the patient may feel sore for up to a few days, and bleeding is also normal during this period. Limit the physical activities to match the discomfort, and avoid sex and using tampons or douching for the few days after the biopsy to let the tissues heal.

Question 10

10) When does the patient get her results?

Accepted Answer

If the patient doesn't require a biopsy, then her results should be given to her by the doctor right then and there. If a biopsy is required, the results typically take seven to ten days to come back unlessspecified otherwise.

Colposcopy

Symptoms

A colposcopy may be needed in case of-

Treatment

Risks

After Procedure