Colposcopy
A colposcopy is a test to take a closer look at your cervix, the opening to your womb from your vagina.
A colposcopy is often done if cervical screening test finds either human papillomavirus (HPV) or changes to your cells that are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). There is a risk over time that if left unchecked and untreated changes in cells caused by HPV can turn into precancer or cancer.
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A colposcopy generally takes around 10-15 minutes and is done in the consulting rooms. During a colposcopy a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) is gently placed into your vagina to open it. A microscope (colposcope) is then used to look at your cervix in greater detail. The microscope stays outside your body.
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A small sample of tissue may be taken from your cervix for testing which is called a biopsy, this is around the size of half a grain of rice and most women tolerate this procedure very well.
Colposcopy: abnormal cervical screening tests and other cervical problems
The cervical screening program uses a combination of the new HPV test and the pap test (also called pap smear) to detect HPV infection and/or abnormal cells on the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer if untreated. We understand that an abnormal cervical screening result can be very stressful, however, it only rarely means that cervical cancer is already present.
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If your results require specialist assessment, your GP will refer you for a colposcopy, which can be performed in Dr Green and Dr Goulding’s consulting suites. This test uses a special microscope (called a colposcope) to examine the cervix and determine whether treatment is necessary. If treatment is required a simple procedure is all that is usually required to remove any abnormal cells. This is done with a thin wire loop (a LLETZ procedure).