This article is about colposcopy and biopsy, an introduction to smear test, colposcopy, and biopsy, and cone biopsy procedures.
A female patient who usually receives an abnormal smear result will be referred for a colposcopy. A smear test whether cervical smear or pap smear, is a screening procedure which allows to detect early signs of cancer of the neck of the womb or what is known as carcinoma of the cervix and advise for treatment in time to prevent the cancer cells from developing. It has been proven that by looking at tiny cells, using a colpomicroscope or what is known as a colposcope, from the neck of the womb allows for early detection.
Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix. This is usually done to confirm after a smear result and to identify the exact location of the abnormal cells. A colposcopy will help determine what kind of treatment, if any, is needed.
The following are outlined in the article before undergoing colposcopy; right time to schedule for a colposcopy examination, length of a colposcopy examination, question one may have during the examination.
A colposcopy examination usually takes from ten to twenty minutes, this only covers the examination, and assessment of the doctor with the patient will usually take about an hour. A colposcopy is mostly handles by a highly specialized trained doctor, known as a colposcopist. Sometimes a nurse with background and training can perform the examination.
The procedure starts by the patient lying on her back and straddling her legs on a stirrups legs wide open. The nurse will then insert a speculum to hold the vagina open, using a colpomicroscope or more known as a colposcope, will look through the cervix. The colpomicroscope will be at a distance of about twelve centimeters away from the vagina opening and will not be touching the vagina. Equipped with a high magnifying scope it enlarges a particular area for clearer viewing. Usually a colpomicroscope is attached to a video monitor. A colpomicroscope has different focal lengths, having the ability to work in selectable working distance and with an articulating arm allows greater flexibility and working position.
A biopsy procedure will be requested / performed once an abnormal tissue has been identified. This is usually with a clearance or after the doctor talks to the patient about her condition. A biopsy will require taking a small tissue sample for the affected area of the cervix. This sample will be sent to a pathologist for screening and evaluation.
A biopsy considered a minor surgery may require a patient be given local anesthetic allowing the cervix to numb and the patient not to feel the slicing of the sample from the cervix.
The article the goes on to enumerated on what to expect after a colposcopy and biopsy from bleeding or spotting to feeling pain or numbness. Cone biopsy procedure is also discussed in this article. A cone biopsy in brief is a procedure when a doctor cannot see all the abnormal cells after a colposcopy, the doctor may then suggest for a cone biopsy.Read more on this topic