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Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy
How It Feels
You may feel some discomfort when the vaginal speculum is inserted. You may feel a pinch and have some cramping if a biopsy sample is taken.
Risks
In rare cases, a cervical biopsy can cause an infection or bleeding. Bleeding can usually be stopped by using a special liquid or swab on the area.
After the test
You may feel some soreness in your vagina for a day or two. Some vaginal bleeding or discharge is normal for up to a week after a biopsy. The discharge may be dark-colored if Monsel's solution was used. You can use a sanitary pad for the bleeding. Do not douche, have sex, or use tampons for one week, to allow time for your cervix to heal. Do not exercise for one day after your colposcopy.
Follow any instructions your doctor gave you. Call your doctor if you have:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (more than a normal menstrual period).
- A fever.
- Belly pain.
- Bad-smelling vaginal discharge.
Results
Colposcopy is a way for your doctor to use a special magnifying device to look at your vulva, vagina, and cervix.
Your doctor will talk to you about what he or she sees at the time of the colposcopy. Lab results from a biopsy may take several days or more.
| Normal: |
The vinegar or iodine does not show any areas of abnormal tissue. The vagina and cervix look normal. |
|---|---|
|
A biopsy sample does not show any abnormal cells. |
|
| Abnormal: |
The vinegar or iodine shows areas of abnormal tissue. Sores or other problems, such as genital warts or an infection, are found in or around the vagina or cervix. |
|
A biopsy sample shows abnormal cells. This may mean cervical cancer is present or likely to develop. |
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the colposcopy or why the results may not be helpful include:
- The use of douches, tampons, or vaginal creams or medications 24 hours before the colposcopy.
- If you are having a menstrual period at the time of the colposcopy.
- If a vaginal or cervical infection is present.
- If you have gone through menopause. Hormonal changes may make it difficult to see the cervical canal clearly.
What To Think About
- Colposcopy is not usually used as a screening test for women at high risk for cervical cancer. A Pap test is done for that purpose.
- Sometimes only abnormal cervical biopsy results are reported back to the woman. Tell your doctor if you want to be informed of normal biopsy results.
- If a colposcopy and cervical biopsy are normal, it is not likely that you have cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
- Another biopsy may be needed if a Pap test, colposcopy, and cervical biopsy show different results. In some cases, a larger biopsy area, called a cone biopsy, is removed. Special tools, such as laser or a heated loop, can be used to remove a cone-shaped wedge of normal and abnormal tissue from the cervix. A cone biopsy may treat the problem because all of the abnormal tissue is removed. Your doctor will give you more instructions if a cone biopsy is needed.
- Women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a higher chance of developing cervical cancer. A colposcopy is recommended for all women with HIV and an abnormal Pap test.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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