COLPOSCOPY- WHAT is IT?

According to Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. " Colposcopy procedure was developed in 1925 by the German physician, Hans Hinselmann. The main goal of a Colposcopy procedure is to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions early and treating them" Colposcopy is a test done to determine the reason for abnormal cells seen on a Pap Smear. The most common cause of an abnormal Pap Smear is vaginal infection.

OTHER REASONS FOR A COLPOSCOPY PROCEDURE ARE:

Genital human papilla virus. (HPV)

HPV is a one of the most common sexually transmitted disease. (STD)

There are 130 different types of HPV. HPV cannot be seen, most people who become infected are unaware that they have it.

Some types of HVP can later develop into cervical cancer. Another type can cause genital warts.

Hormonal changes which results in vaginal bleeding is another reason for doing a Colposcopy.

COLPOSCOPY PROCEDURE

In this procedure an instrument called a Colposcope is used to look at the cervix, vagina and external genital area under magnification to closely examine for abnormal cells on the cervix.

The patient lays supine with both legs in stirrups, similar to the position during a Pap Smear procedure.

The physician prepares the area and places a vaginal speculum to visualize the cervix.

The colposcope is positioned so that the light and magnification is directed on the area, but it is not placed in the vagina.

The area is cleaned, acetic acid a vinegar solution is applied.

The solution will cause the cells to be more visible. The abnormal cells will appear white and this denotes dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to cancer of the cervix if it is not treated.

Biopsies of the dysplasia areas are taken and sent for pathological studies.

This is followed by a curettage of the cervical canal. The canal is then swabbed with Monsel Solution to stop the bleeding in the cervical canal

The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

There will be a slight dark brown or black vaginal discharge for a few days.

This is due to the Monsel Solution was used to swab the cervical canal.

The physician will schedule a follow up visit for within 1-2 weeks to review the results of the tests and to discuss treatment options.

The patient will be discharged with instructions to call the physician if any of the following occurs:

Un-usual heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge.

A temperature of more than 100.4 F.

Pain in the area or abdominal discomfort more than four hours after the procedure.

This procedure is uncomfortable and there might be some degree of pain during the taking of the biopsies. However it should not be very painful.

The benefit of this test in detecting the early stages of cancer is well worth the trouble.

For more information visit:

American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.

(A society for lower genital tract diseases since 1964.)