Colposcopy
Colposcopy (DIGITAL
ELECTRONIC COLPOSCOPE (Optical
colposcope, colposcopic, Gynecology,colposcopy,electronic
colposcope microscope,vaginoscope,vaginal speculum) is a
procedure carried out after some abnormal cervical screening
tests. It involves a detailed examination of the cervix (neck of
the womb) using a special microscope called a colposcope(optical
colposcope,colposcopic,gynecology,colposcopy,electronic
colposcope microscope,vaginoscope,vaginal speculum). It
allows the doctor, or specialist nurse, to see the extent of the
abnormal cells and the degree of change in the cells. Treatment
of abnormal cervical cells (if needed), can be carried out at
colposcopy (Optical
colposcope, colposcopic,Gynecology, colposcopy,electronic
colposcope microscope, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum).
Note: the information below is a general guide only. The
arrangements, and the way tests are performed, may vary between
different hospitals. Always follow the instructions given by
your doctor or local hospital.
On this page
Why do I need a colposcopy?
How will I know if I need a colposcopy?
Before your colposcopy
After your colposcopy
What are the risks or complications of colposcopy?
The biopsy results
How will I know if I need any treatment?
Will I need any follow-up?
What is the prognosis (outlook) if I need
treatment?
Colposcopy and pregnancy
Colposcopy (Optical
colposcope, Colposcopic, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
Electronic colposcope microscope, vaginoscope,
vaginal speculum) is a detailed examination of the cervix (also known
as the neck of the womb). It is usually carried out in a colposcopy clinic by a doctor or specialist nurse who has
specific training and experience in colposcopy. Doctor or
nurse uses a special microscope(optical
colposcope,colposcopic, gynecology, Colposcopy,
Electronic colposcope microscope, vaginoscope,
vaginal speculum), called a colposcope, to look at
the cells of the cervix in detail.
A liquid is painted on to the cervix to show up any abnormal
cells. During colposcopy(optical
colposcope,colposcopic, gynecology, Colposcopy,
Electronic colposcope microscope, vaginoscope,
vaginal speculum) a small piece of tissue will be taken
from the cervix. This is known as a biopsy. The tissue is then
examined in even closer detail in the laboratory to allow
further assessment of the cells. Treatment for any abnormal
cells can sometimes be given at the same time as the colposcopy
examination.
Why do I need a colposcopy?
The usual reason for having a colposcopy (optical
colposcope,colposcopic, gynecology, Colposcopy,
Electronic colposcope microscope, vaginoscope,
vaginal speculum) is because you have had
an abnormal cervical screening test result. This happens quite
commonly, so you should try not to be too alarmed. Remember that
in most cases, an abnormal cervical screening test does not mean
you have cervical cancer. It is rare for cervical cancer to be
diagnosed this way.
Sometimes you can be referred for a colposcopy (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum) because you have
had a number of inadequate cervical screening tests in a row.
This can happen if there was too much blood or mucus present
around your cervix at the time of your cervical screening test,
or because too few cells were removed during the procedure.
Because of this, not enough cells could be seen clearly under
the microscope (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum).
Rarely, you can be referred for a colposcopy (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum) because the doctor
or nurse carrying out your cervical screening test is worried
about infection, inflammation or a polyp (a noncancerous growth)
around the cervix.
How will I know if I need a colposcopy (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum)?
When you have your cervical screening test, you should be told
when (and how) to expect your results. You will generally be
informed directly, by letter, of your results. Your GP will also
receive a copy of the results and a copy will be sent to the
Health Authority - called a primary care trust (PCT).
In each case, the laboratory advises what action is needed for
each cervical screening result. Some women will have a degree of
abnormality that means a colposcopy(Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum) is needed. You will often be
sent this information in the post. In some areas, women who have
an abnormal cervical screening test will be referred directly to clinic. In other areas, the GP has to make this
referral. If this is the case, your GP should inform you of the
referral. You do not need to do anything BUT: speak with your GP
if you are worried or there is something you do not understand
AND contact your GP if you know you are waiting for a colposcopy (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum)
appointment but have not heard anything after a few weeks.
Before your colposcopy (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,
colposcopic,Gynecology, Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal
speculum)
You should receive written information about the procedure in
advance of your appointment. If there is anything you don't
understand you can either ring the clinic directly, or discuss
this with your GP. There are some things that you should think
about before your colposcopy that can help you prepare:
•Some clinics prefer not to perform colposcopy (Electronic
colposcope microscope,Optical
colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,Colposcopy,vaginoscope,
vaginal speculum) whilst a woman is
having her period. This is because it can be difficult to get a
good view of the cervix if there is a lot of blood. Also, some
women may prefer not to have an intimate examination whilst
bleeding.If your period starts and you anticipate you will still bleeding when you have your appointment, it is probably
best that you telephone the clinic for advice. In some cases
your appointment may be rearranged. Do not feel embarrassed
about this - it is completely (Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,
colposcopic,Gynecology, Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal
speculum) out of your control, and colposcopy clinics are very used to this sort of thing.
•You should avoid sex and not wear a tampon for 24 hours before
your colposcopy.
•You should not use any vaginal creams or pessaries for 24 hours
before your colposcopy(Electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,colposcopic,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum) This includes lubricants, thrush
treatments, douches and spermicides.
•Some people find the colposcopy examination a little
uncomfortable. For this reason, you may choose to take some
paracetamol about an hour before your appointment.
•You may want to wear a loose,full skirt on day of your colposcopy (colposcopic,electronic
colposcope microscope,
Optical colposcope,Gynecology,
Colposcopy, vaginoscope, vaginal speculum)so that you do not have to remove all of your lower
clothing.
•It is often a good idea to bring someone with you who can take
you home after your colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope). This is most important if the
clinic has told you that you may have treatment at your first
appointment. They do not have to come into the examination room
with you (but if you do want a friend or relative with you
during your examination this is also possible).
After your colposcopy
After your colposcopy (Colposcopic,electronic
colposcope microscope,optical
colposcope, Vaginal speculum,Gynecology,
Colposcopy,vaginoscope) you can usually return to work or carry on
with your normal day. You are likely to have a small amount of
bleeding, especially if you have had a biopsy. This can last for
three to five days and you should wear a sanitary pad. Do not
use tampons. You should not have sex or use vaginal creams or pessaries until the bleeding has stopped. Generally you should
wait for five days.
You may notice a dark fluid-like material on the pad. It is
sometimes green or looks like coffee granules (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope, Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope). This is normal
and is the liquid that is painted on to your cervix during the
examination.
What are the risks or complications of
colposcopy?
Colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) is generally a safe procedure. Some women find that
is it a little uncomfortable. Rarely, complications can occur.
These can include heavy bleeding and infection. If you
experience any heavy bleeding, smelly vaginal discharge or
severe lower abdominal pain, you should see a doctor as soon as
possible.
How will I know if I need any treatment?
The results of your colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) and biopsy will show if you need
any treatment. Sometimes the doctor or nurse may suggest that
you have treatment at your first visit for colposcopy. However,
they may suggest that they wait for the results of your biopsy
before you have any treatment. This just depends on the clinic
that you attend. It can take a few weeks for the biopsy results.
Not everyone who has a colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) needs treatment. If the doctor
or nurse feels that you only have a mild abnormality, they may
just suggest that you have a repeat colposcopy in 6 to 12
months. The changes in your cervix may return to normal by
themselves and they may just need monitoring.
Will I need any follow-up?
This depends on the results of your colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum,Gynecology,Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) and whether you
needed any treatment. Some women may need a follow-up colposcopy
examination. Other women may just need a follow-up cervical
screening test, usually after about four months. The doctor or
nurse who performs your colposcopy will advise what follow-up
you will need.Most colposcopy(Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum,Gynecology,Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) clinics will see you again four
to six months after your first examination or treatment.
If all is well at your follow-up appointment, you will be given
advice about when you should have your next cervical screening
test. This test can be carried out by your usual clinic or GP
surgery. You will usually be advised to have a cervical
screening test every year for a number of years (often 10 years
if you had CIN2 or 3). If you have any further abnormal cervical
screening test results you may need to have another colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope)
examination.
What is the prognosis (outlook) if I need
treatment?
Treatment of CIN is usually almost 100% effective. In the vast
majority of women, it is unlikely that CIN will come back.
Cone biopsy
What is a cone biopsy?
Sometimes all of the abnormal cells cannot be seen during
colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) because the cells go further up into the cervix. If
this happens, the doctor or nurse will usually suggest that you
have a minor operation called a cone biopsy. This is when a
cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from your cervix so that
it can be examined under the microscope (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) in the laboratory.
You will be given a separate appointment to come back for your
cone biopsy. You are usually admitted to hospital overnight. A
general anaesthetic that puts you to sleep is usually given.
Colposcopy and pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you should discuss this with the doctor or
nurse before you have a colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope). Colposcopy can, however, be
done safely in pregnancy. Treatments (if needed) are usually
deferred until after having the baby - unless the abnormality is
very severe and it is thought to be dangerous to wait until
after the baby is born. Colposcopy (Colposcopic,
Electronic colposcope microscope,
Optical
colposcope,Vaginal speculum, Gynecology, Colposcopy,
vaginoscope) in pregnancy does not affect
the delivery of your child; nor does it affect future fertility.
Article Source:http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Colposcopy.htm |
