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 A colposcopy is a way your doctor can examine
your genitals, vagina and cervix closely. A colposcope is an instrument
that shines a light on the cervix and magnifies the view for your doctor.
At the beginning of the exam, you lie back and place your feet in the stirrups
as you would for a Pap smear. Your doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina
and opens it slightly so he or she can see your cervix. Then your doctor
applies a vinegar solution to the cervix and vagina with a cotton ball or
swab. The vinegar makes abnormal tissue turn white so your doctor can identify
areas that may need further evaluation.
If your doctor sees areas of abnormal tissue during the colposcopy, he or
she may also perform a biopsy. This involves removing small samples of tissue
from any abnormal areas in or around the cervix. A specialist doctor called
a pathologist will examine these samples.
It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for your doctor to complete a colposcopy
and biopsy. |
