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Advance comprehensive women's health in Wisconsin by engaging, educating,
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|  | | What is a colposcopy? | | | Colposcopy is a procedure used to detect abnormal cells and tissues of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. It is done with a colposcope — an instrument that looks like binoculars on a tripod. The colposcope has a magnifying glass that lets the clinician examine the surface cells. |
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| Why do women have colposcopies? | | Colposcopy is used to determine whether more tests or treatments are needed when abnormalities are observed.
It can be used:
- after abnormal Pap or HPV (human papilloma virus) test results
- if the cervix looks abnormal during a pelvic exam
- to find out the cause of unexplained bleeding
It is impossible to diagnose conditions of the cervix and vagina with the naked eye. With magnification, a clinician can better tell whether more tests are needed, or if there is no need for concern.
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| Why is it important to diagnose and treat abnormal cervical cells? | | | Most of the time, abnormal cervical cells heal without treatment. But sometimes, abnormal cells can develop into cancer. Treatments for precancerous abnormal cells are highly effective at preventing cervical cancer. That is why it is so important to have regular Pap tests and to follow up on any abnormal results. |
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| How do colposcopy and biopsy work? | | Colposcopy is a simple procedure. It does not require an anesthetic, and can be done in a clinician's office.
A woman lies down on an exam table in the same position used to have a Pap test.
A speculum — a metal or plastic instrument — is inserted into the vagina to separate the walls.
The clinician swabs the walls of the vagina and the cervix with a vinegar-like solution. The solution removes mucus and also turns abnormal cells white — making them more visible. The clinician may also apply iodine to make the abnormal cells easier to see.
The clinician looks at the magnified cervix and vagina through the colposcope from outside the vagina — the instrument never enters the body.
Biopsies are taken from any areas that appear to have abnormal cells. This is done in two ways:
- by scraping away cells with a small brush or a small metal loop called a curette
- by taking a plug of tissue about the size of half a grain of rice with an instrument similar to a paper punch. This is known as a punch biopsy
Collected tissue is sent to a lab for examination. |
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