Colposcopy is a method of examining the cervix with digital or binocular microscope-like instruments using an optical system with the help of a magnifying glass. With the help of a colposcope , the cervix is magnified 20-40 times (up to 250 times magnification can be provided), making invisible lesions visible. A biopsy is taken from the suspected areas.
Is Colposcopy a Painful Procedure?
Although it is not a painful intervention, a slight pain may be felt when taking a piece from the inner side of the cervix (called ECC) when necessary. In some cases, there may be mild bleeding and a small stitch may rarely be needed to stop the cervix.
Why is colposcopy performed?
The purpose of colposcopic examination is to confirm the diagnosis and detect precancerous lesions in patients in whom screening tests performed to screen for cervical cancer are reported as abnormal. In other words, colposcopic biopsy is a diagnostic method. Colposcopy and biopsy detect precancerous lesions and then give us the opportunity to treat these lesions before they turn into cancer.
The most common reason for colposcopy is the presence of an abnormal Pap smear test result (LSIL, HSIL, ASC-H).
Other reasons are;
- HPV genotyping, i.e. HPV 16, HPV 18 positivity or other HPV positivity as a result of HPV DNA test and this positivity persists for one year,
- The presence of an abnormal Pap smear test result during pregnancy,
- Abnormal appearance of the cervix during a gynaecological examination,
- Bleeding after intercourse.
- Colposcopy is also recommended if smear and biopsy results are incompatible.
It should not be forgotten that cervical cancer is a preventable type of cancer.
Is Colposcopy Performed in Pregnant Women? When Should We Perform Colposcopy in Pregnant Women?
Yes, colposcopy and even biopsy are performed in pregnant women. However, we do not recommend the endocervical curettage procedure called ECC , which is performed together with colposcopy, with the idea that it may harm pregnancy.
The indication for cervical biopsy is slightly different in pregnant women. Colposcopy and biopsy are recommended not in low-grade pathologies such as ASCUS or LSIL, but in pathologies that may progress to high-grade cancer such as HSIL.
When do we need to perform colposcopy?
This is actually the reason why we do cervical cancer screening. In case of abnormal cells in the smear test and positivity in HPV tests, we take biopsies from suspicious areas with this technique, which is a more advanced examination and diagnosis method.
Of course, not only the cervix but also the vagina and vulva, i.e. female genital skin areas, are examined with colposcopy, i.e. magnifying glass. By taking biopsies from suspicious areas in these areas, it is possible to detect and treat early stage cancer or precancerous tissues in advance.
What should be considered before colposcopy?
An appointment should be made for a period when the patient is not menstruating. Tampon use should be stopped within 2 days before colposcopy and vaginal shower should not be taken. Also in the last 2 days; applications such as gel, medicine should not be applied to the vagina. Painkillers can be taken orally 1 hour before the procedure.
How is Colposcopy Performed?
The question ofhow colposcopy is performed can be answered as follows; The patient is first taken to the gynaecology table called fork. A small instrument called speculum is applied to the vagina and the cervix enters the visual field. With a digital or binocular colposcope, 20-40 times magnification is provided and invisible suspicious areas are investigated.
Then, a biopsy is taken from the areas stained by applying diluted 3%-5% acetic acid to the cervix (acetowhite or areas with pathological vascular appearance) or biopsy can be taken from areas that are not stained with lugol application. During this process, we also use some filters such as green light to see the areas that we cannot see visually, which are suspicious in terms of cancer or precancerous conditions.
The biopsies are placed in a special container containing chemical liquid and sent to pathology. The experience of the surgeon and pathologist performing colposcopy is very important.
How Long Does Colposcopy Take?
Colposcopic examination takes 10-20 minutes under clinic / clinic conditions.
Is there a need for anaesthesia during colposcopy?
Generally, anaesthesia is not required; those who have colposcopy state that they do not feel pain during the procedure (except in special cases).
Colposcopic examination can be performed in the clinic / clinic environment, it does not need to be performed in the operating theatre.
When Are Colposcopy Results Available?
The results of the examination are shared instantly on the patient screen during the procedure in our clinic. The samples taken during the procedure are sent to the pathology laboratory. Colposcopy pathology results are shared with the patient within approximately 7 working days.
Things to Consider After Colposcopy
According to the results of the colposcopy procedure, the treatment to be applied is decided according to the patient's age, desire for a child and general condition. While CIN 1 requires follow-up, excisional interventions such as LEEP or Conisation (procedures in which a small part of the cervix is removed in the form of a cone) are generally required in the presence of CIN 2 and CIN 3. Of course, it is necessary to pay attention to the incompatibility of Smear and Colposcopy biopsy results and evaluate them well. Your doctor can answer the question of when sexual intercourse should be experienced after the examination and what to pay attention to.
What are Istanbul Colposcopy Prices?
Ataşehir Colposcopy prices vary according to the clinic or hospital where the intervention is performed and the experience of the doctor. For detailed information and appointment, you can contact Associate Professor Dr Çiğdem Yayla Abide.
Colposcopy is not painful. The colposcope instrument does not enter the vagina, it is used to examine around it. Colposcopy is performed in cases of examination of the wart in the genital area, inflammation, abnormality in cervical cancer results, HPV, bleeding after sexual intercourse, inadequate smear test. The colposcopy is performed at the same time as the result. If a biopsy is taken during this procedure, the laboratory result can wait. If a biopsy is taken during colposcopy, sexual intercourse can be initiated approximately ten days later. Colposcopy can only be performed on and around the vulva to protect the integrity of the hymen in people who have not had sexual intercourse before. The cervix may not be evaluated.Does colposcopy hurt?
In which case is colposcopy performed?
Is the colposcopy result available immediately?
How many days after colposcopy can I have intercourse?
Is colposcopy performed on virgins?
