Colposcopy
It is an examination to observe in detail the cervix and if it presents lesions. This procedure also allows visualization of the vulvar, vaginal, peritoneal and perianal region.
The most useful form of evaluation
Thanks to colposcopy it is possible to determine whether the patient has cancer precursor abnormalities, or cancer. Its results will provide all the information necessary to know what is the most appropriate form of treatment.
This study arises under medical recommendation when pap smears or pelvic examinations have revealed previous abnormalities.
It is a safe, reliable, low-risk procedure with a near-zero complication rate.
The Colposcope
It is the instrument developed for the analysis of the cervix, as well as the vagina, peritoneal and perianal area.
Ruling out anomalies
When cytology is abnormal, colposcopy (with or without biopsy) will serve to confirm or obtain a final diagnosis.
The Specialist
The physician trained in colposcopy will be able to establish a diagnosis based on images or by taking biopsies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step in evaluating diseases arising within the cervix is usually through a pelvic examination or pap smear. However, when these tests are abnormal, the next step is colposcopy.
Colposcopy helps to confirm or rule out various conditions, the most common being:
- Precancerous lesions or cancer of the cervix.
- In addition, cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) or genital warts can be identified during the examination.
Colposcopy is a procedure with a fairly high level of safety. There are usually very few occasions in which complications arising from the test may arise, but if doubts still arise, here are some of them:
- Occurrence of light, moderate or heavy bleeding.
- Infection.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Cramps or acute abdominal pain.
The main recommendation if any of these symptoms appear after a colposcopy is to call the attending physician. He is the only professional capable of answering any doubts about the appearance of discomfort resulting from the colposcopic analysis.
Colposcopy may be accompanied by some discomfort during the process, but this should not be an impediment to skipping such an important examination. The following is a brief list of actions that can be taken to make the colposcopy as pleasant as possible:
- Consider the date of the colposcopy, avoiding scheduling it too close to or during the menstrual period.
- Avoid vaginal sexual contact for at least a couple of days before the procedure.
- Eliminate the use of tampons for one or two days before the colposcopy.
- Ask the doctor in charge if it is possible to take before the test some type of analgesic without prescription, such as: ibuprofen, paracetamol, among others.
It has been proven that women who come to consultation with high levels of anxiety, may be more likely to experience feelings of pain. Maintaining a calm and assertive attitude may be the key to successfully overcoming this process.
This test is very similar to annual cytological examinations, whereby the patient maintains a resting posture on the examination table with her feet on the supports to facilitate the approach of the colposcope at a short distance from the vagina. The magnifying lens of the colposcope acts like binoculars, providing a clear and defined image of the entire area. If any suspicious area is evident, the physician will take a sample also known as a biopsy; if, on the other hand, no lesion is observed, it will not be necessary to take a biopsy (this will be left to the physician's discretion). The duration of a colposcopy is usually relatively fast, comprising an evaluation time between 10 and 30 minutes.