Colposcopy for what? Does the scan hurt a lot?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Colposcopy is a method used by doctors to detect early abnormalities in a woman's uterus, especially cervical cancer. Colposcopy can be performed with the naked eye, but most use a specialized colposcope with multiple magnifications.

1. What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a procedure to look at the cervix, usually done through a special magnifying device called a colposcope. During colposcopy, the scope shines a beam of light into the vagina and into the cervix. Thereby, the image transmitted through the scanner will be magnified many times. This procedure allows doctors to find abnormalities in the patient's cervical area that are not even visible to the naked eye.

2. Colposcopy for what?

Colposcopy should be performed when the results of a cervical cancer screening test show an abnormal change in the cells of the cervix. At that time, colposcopy will provide more information so that the doctor can more accurately identify abnormal cells. In addition, colposcopy is used for a more detailed evaluation of other problems, including:
Genital warts on the cervix Cervicitis Benign proliferative (non-proliferative) cells is cancerous), such as cervical polyp Unusual pain Bleeding in the cervix Sometimes colposcopy needs to be done more than once. Besides, this procedure is also used to monitor the results of treatment.

3. How is colposcopy performed?

Colposcopy should be performed when a woman is not menstruating, which is also the most appropriate time. Because at that time, the doctor will see the cervical area more clearly and not be affected by menstruation. For at least 24 hours before the procedure, do not:
Douching Use tampons Use vaginal suppositories Have sex Similar to a pelvic exam, the doctor will ask the patient to lie on his back, the legs are raised and the feet are placed on the support. The doctor then uses a medical instrument called a speculum to widen the vagina so that the doctor can see the inside of the cervix. The colposcope is placed just outside the vagina.
The doctor will then apply a solution to the cervical and vaginal area using a cotton swab or cotton ball. This solution helps to make abnormal cells on the cervix easier to see.

4. Cervical Biopsy

During colposcopy, your doctor may notice signs of abnormal tissue growth. At this point, the doctor will take a small tissue sample from this abnormal area and bring it out for testing. This procedure to remove diseased tissue is called a cervical biopsy.
Some cells are also removed from the cervix using a special device that is used to collect cells. This procedure is called cervical canal curettage (ECC).

5. Is colposcopy painful?

Whether colposcopy is painful depends on whether a biopsy is needed or not. However, colposcopy is a procedure that does not cause too much pain. If a biopsy is not needed, the patient should feel quite comfortable and can resume normal activities. Sometimes there will be spotting of blood for a few days afterward because the cells in the cervix may be slightly damaged.
In case the doctor has to perform a biopsy to take a tissue sample from the cervix, the patient may feel pain and discomfort for 1-2 days. To fix it, your doctor may suggest using pain relievers

6. Recovery after colposcopy

After performing a colposcopy, your doctor will usually remind you to limit certain activities for a while so that the cervical area heals quickly. While the cervix heals, the patient should not insert anything into the vagina, including performing the following activities:
Have sex. Use tampons. Vaginal douching. In addition, see a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
Excessive vaginal bleeding (having to use more than one tampon within an hour) Severe lower abdominal pain Fever Chills Colposcopy and related tests and procedures play a role in early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer. This is of paramount importance in providing the patient with a chance to cure the disease and ensuring that the quality of life is not greatly affected. Therefore, if any abnormality is detected, a woman should seek medical attention immediately.
Currently, doctors can combine in-depth examination with modern technology techniques to detect abnormal lesions on the cervix by colposcopy, thereby helping patients detect early and timely treatment of cervical cancer.

7. Cervical cancer screening and early detection package at Vinmec International General Hospital

With a system of modern equipment along with a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, many years of gynecological examination, when performing screening and early detection of gynecological cancer at General Hospital At Vinmec International, customers will be screened for cervical cancer according to the following steps:
Be examined and consulted with a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology Screening for cervical cancer through automated system HPV genotype PCR test and transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus. Colposcopy: Early detection of abnormal lesions in the cervix. Other related tests, such as abdominal ultrasound, blood test...

At Vinmec, the application of modern colposcopy and sterile procedures helps the diagnosis process to achieve the most accurate results. Screening results are then returned to the home with specific advice and recommendations for the patient.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Articles refer to the source Acog.org