Colposcopy and biopsy
Hospital o serveis complementaris relacionats
Children's Hospital and Woman's Hospital
Description
What is it for?
This technique is used for early detection of lesions that could trigger cancer of the cervix and also to take samples to diagnose and even remove tissues.
This exploration also lets us diagnose other sexually transmitted infections in addition to HPV.
How does it work?
To perform the test, the patient should be placed on the gynaecological stretcher with legs in stirrups.
The doctor then inserts a device inside the vagina, the speculum, which separates the walls, and then brings the colposcope, which lets them see the area to be examined. If they detect anomalous areas during examination, they can decide whether to take a biopsy of the tissue that must be analysed later with a microscope in the laboratory.
Anomalies detected in a cervical biopsy are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasms (CIN) and are classified as:
- Mild (CIN 1): generally disappear spontaneously without treatment
- Moderate (CIN 2): another cytology or colposcopy is recommended after 6 months to decide treatment
- Severe (CIN 3). Must be treated
Risks
Possible discomfort while taking the sample and, sometimes, light bleeding that can last up to 3 or 4 days.