Colposcopy
Why should I have a colposcopy?
Most women need a colposcopy following an abnormal cervical smear result. Investigation may also be recommended if abnormalities have been seen on the cervix, if you are at risk of cervical cancer or if you have had any symptoms that could suggest cervical cancer. A colposcopy may be arranged for women with:
- An abnormal smear test, or PAP smear result.
- Bleeding after sex.
- A new and persistent vaginal discharge.
- Bleeding that happens in-between your periods.
- An abnormality that has been seen on the cervix on routine examination.
- Women with decreased immunity, this includes transplant patients and women with autoimmune disorders.
- If your smear test is abnormal, there is no need to panic, or feel alarmed. One in twelve smear tests are abnormal but it is very rare for them to indicate cancer. Usually small changes known as dyskaryosis have been found in the cells of your cervix. These are an early warning sign that cancer might occur in the future.
During colposcopy, Mr Ind can identify any abnormal areas, so that they can be treated before cancer can develop.
If you are not sure whether you need a colposcopy, or are concerned about your symptoms or your smear test result, contact your GP or ask our experienced team for advice.
During Colposcopy
Services
Women’s Health Check
Sometimes you just want to make sure that everything is as it should be. We offer a general women’s health check with comprehensive feedback, advice and support.
The Smear Test
Nearly all abnormal smears show no more than minor changes in cells on the cervix (the neck) of the womb). These changes act as an early warning sign that over time, cervical cancer may develop if the minor changes are not managed appropriately.
HPV
HPV stands for the human papilloma or wart virus. The name refers to a common group of viruses that can infect the skin, the genitals and the mouth and throat. HPV is important because the viruses are linked to the development of some cancers.
CIN
CIN refers to pre-cancerous changes in the cervix that have been seen on colposcopy examination. These changes can also be known as dysplasia or SIL, which stands for Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions. We often describe CIN in more simple terms: ‘Cervix; In the skin; New cells’.