Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy

Cervical Biopsy and Colposcopy, Cervical Exam

Why It Is Done

Colposcopy is done to:

• Look at the cervix for problem areas when a Pap test was abnormal. If an area of abnormal tissue is found during colposcopy, a cervical biopsy or a biopsy from inside the opening of the cervix (endocervical canal) is usually done.
• Check a sore or other problem (such as genital warts) found on or around the vagina and cervix.
• Follow up abnormal areas seen on a previous colposcopy. Colposcopy can also be done to see if treatment for a problem worked.
• Look at the cervix for problem areas if an HPV test shows a high-risk type of HPV is present.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: February 15, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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