Colposcopy for Cervical Cancer

Colposcopy is a cervical cancer test in which the cervix undergoes examination at the time of smear test. A colposcope is a big magnifying glass that is used to examine outer surface of the cervix. It meticulously examines skin of the cervix. Doctor or nurses use colposcopy to detect abnormalities in the cells that are not visible through naked eye.  A biopsy of suspected area is done by the doctors.

Women don’t need to worry, for the test is painless. The only thing that makes some women uncomfortable is the position that is needed for examination, but once accustomed you will not experience any problem.

Colposcopy is usually done by local community hospital or outpatient clinic. The posture for this test is similar to one for smear test where you have to lie down on the couch with your legs up and apart. If patient have problem in that position then doctor recommend that you lie on the side with knees drawn up, and then test is conducted.

A speculum is used by doctor or nurse to make space in the vagina. And then colopscope is used to monitor surface of the cervix. The whole test is conducted in about 20 minutes. For local biopsies, anesthesia is required and injected into the cervix. The test is simple and patient can return back to normal life soon after the test is over.

If abnormality is found in the area, treatment could be initiated at that point of time only. The advantage is that, you won’t have to go through another appointment for treatment or wait in queue for your turn to come.

During treatment, area of the cervix is removed where abnormal cell growth has taken place. This is referred to as Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone. This is the most common and popular type of cervical cancer treatment in UK and many people prefer to go through this. The treatment is very simple and meted out quickly under local anesthesia. Doctors get a clean tissue sample to examine the patient.