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Colposcopy, the technique that complements cytology

What is a colposcopy?

– Colposcopy is an amplified inspection, by means of a magnifying microscope, of the cervix or vagina (vaginoscopy) and vulva (vulvoscopy), this is done directly and with the use of filters and reagents.

– This identifies the presence of suspicious lesions by cytology or direct observation, evaluating their location, character and extent.

– Allows a guided biopsy avoiding blind and unnecessary biopsies.

– It allows the choice of appropriate treatment for precancerous cervical lesions.

– It should be performed by a trained professional qualified for it.

When should I have a colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a gynecological examination complementary to cytology in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer, it is not routinely performed, it is indicated when there is a cytologic anomaly or positive HPV test.

Is it painful to have a colposcopy and how long does it take?

It is not a painful test. It is a scan with a speculum, such as that done when taking cytology test, only lasts for about 10-15 minutes, occasionally a slight itching can be perceived by the reagent used.

How should the patient prepare for the test? And what follow – up care should she follow?

Colposcopy does not require any special preparation or specific follow-up care. It is not performed with menstruation due to interference the bleeding with vision.

The colposcopista will evaluate if it is satisfactory or precise some treatment previous to its realization to optimize diagnosis.

There is no contraindication to its realization during pregnancy.

What are the possible results that a colposcopy can detect?

The colposcopic image provides us with additional information on an altered cytology. In function of the same, and always realized by qualified professional, the results indicate the attitude to follow:

• Image compatible with a premalignant or malignant lesion: it allows us to perform a biopsy, taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area, which is the one that gives the definitive diagnosis and in this way to adapt the treatment.

• Non-suspicious image: possibility of monitoring in specific cases.

Dra. Mónica Gómez

Medical specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

July 3, 2017