A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a colposcope to view the cervix closely and detect any abnormal areas. It is performed in a colposcopy clinic by a trained doctor or nurse. A colposcopy may be needed if a pap smear shows abnormal cells, the last three pap smears were inadequate, or a woman has symptoms like bleeding. During the procedure, different liquids are applied to the cervix to highlight abnormalities, and biopsies may be taken. Treatment such as LLETZ or cryotherapy is usually provided to remove or destroy pre-cancerous cells if indicated by biopsy results showing CIN. Follow up pap smears are needed after treatment to monitor the cervix.

1. Colposcopy
Dr. Kawita Bapat

2. What is a Colposcopy?
 A colposcopy is a detailed examination
of the cervix using an instrument called a
colposcope
 It allows the colposcopist to see the type
and area of abnormality on the cervix

3. Where is Colposcopy done?
Colposcopy is done in the
colposcopy clinic in the hospital
It is done by Doctors or Nurses who
are qualified colposcopists
Click here for list of Certificated Colposcopist

4. When is a colposcopy
needed?
There are several reasons a woman may
be referred for colposcopy:-
 Following a smear result showing
abnormal cells
 This is not unusual; about 1 in 10 smears is
abnormal
 This may mean a few cells are at risk of
becoming cancerous in the future

5. When is colposcopy needed?
 When a woman’s last three smears have
been inadequate
 This does not mean abnormal cells were
found but means it was not possible to
check the health of the cells from the
smear test
 Approximately 1 in 50 smears is inadequate

6. When is colposcopy needed?
 A woman may be referred for colposcopy
when further investigation is required
because of symptoms e.g bleeding or
discharge
 The woman’s GP may refer her if they are
concerned about the appearance of the
cervix

7. What does a Colposcopy involve?
A speculum is used
to view the cervix
Different liquids are
dabbed onto the
cervix which help to
show up abnormal
areas
The colposcopist will
look at these areas
using the
colposcope

8. What does a colposcopy involve?
In some clinics the
woman can watch
the examination on
a TV monitor
Pictures of the
cervix may be
taken to store with
her hospital records

9. What does a colposcopy involve?
If any abnormal
areas are identified
a biopsy may be
taken
This may cause a
slight stinging
sensation
A biopsy will give a
definite diagnosis

10. What does a colposcopy
involve?
 The colposcopist may be able to offer
treatment at the time of the examination
 If they have taken a biopsy they may wait
for the results before doing treatment

11. Who will need treatment?
 Treatment may be advised if results show
CIN - Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
 CIN is sometimes referred to as pre-
cancerous cells
 CIN is divided into 3 types
• CIN 1 - Slight changes in cells
• CIN 2 - Moderate changes in cells
• CIN 3 - More severe changes in cells

12. What does treatment mean?
 Treatment involves removing or destroying
the area of abnormal cells
 All treatments are usually done in the
clinic with a local anaesthetic
 How can CIN be treated?

13. What are the treatments?
LLETZ – large loop
excision of the
transformation zone
(sometimes known
as DLE, DLB or Loop
Biopsy).
This removes
abnormal cells using
a small wire loop

14. What are the treatments?
 Cold coagulation and diathermy destroy
abnormal cells using heat
 Cryocautery freezes abnormal cells
 Laser treatment uses a beam of light to
destroy abnormal cells

15. What are the treatments?
A few women will
need a cone biopsy
This removes a small
area of the cervix
and is usually done
under a general
anaesthetic

16. Following a colposcopy
examination
 Following a colposcopy examination a
woman should be able to continue with
normal routine
 She may have a blood stained discharge
if she had a biopsy
 A sanitary pad should be worn
 Sex should be avoided for 7 days to
reduce the risk of infection

17. Following treatment
 If she has had treatment she may need to
take it easy for the rest of the day
 Tampons should not be used for one
month
 Sexual intercourse should be avoided for
one month
 Heavy blood loss, vaginal discharge or
severe pain should be reported to the
clinic

18. Does the treatment work?
 Treatment is nearly always 100% successful
 However some women may need
treatment repeating
 Regular follow up is very important

19. Follow up
 Women who have had abnormal smear
tests or treatment for CIN will have smear
tests more often for a time afterwards

20. How can you help?
 Update your knowledge and skills
regularly
 Ensure you are giving the correct
information
 Provide appropriate resources – leaflets,
picture books, factsheets
 If you need any further help or advice
please contact us……

21. For Further Information….
 Dr. kawita bapat
 Indore
 bapatkawita@gmail.com
+919826055666