Colposcopy Explained: What to Expect and How it Helps Prevent Cervical Cancer

In 2022, according to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with about 660,000 new cases diagnosed and around 350,000 deaths. Fortunately, screening tests for cervical cancer allow women to be diagnosed early in the disease’s course, when it’s easier to treat and beat.

At Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, our team of experienced physicians uses colposcopy to determine a woman’s cervical cancer status when the primary screening tool, the Pap smear, produces abnormal results. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure and how it can help you prevent or treat cancerous cells.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test or cervical cytology, is a screening tool for cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. A Pap smear can detect cervical cancer early, when it’s more likely to be cured. It can also detect precancerous cells, again leading to early treatment.

Sometimes the Pap test may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus spread through sexual contact, and most cervical cancers are caused by HPV. In some cases, the HPV test is used instead of a Pap smear for cervical cancer screening.

If your results come back as negative, that means the test didn’t find any evidence of cancerous or precancerous cells. If the results come back as abnormal, that doesn’t mean you have cancer. It simply means that some of the cells, like squamous or glandular cells, don’t look the way they’re expected to. You’ll probably need follow-up testing, such as a colposcopy.

The colposcopy explained

If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear or a positive HPV test, the doctor will probably follow up with a colposcopy, a procedure that examines your cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormal tissue and that uses a tool with a bright light that magnifies the area of view so they can see the cells more clearly.

A colposcopy primarily looks for precancerous cells, but it can also be used to diagnose genital warts and cervical polyps, small growths within the cervix.

If anything that looks abnormal is found, a biopsy, a sample of the cervical tissue, is taken and sent to a lab for testing.

The procedure is fairly straightforward:

1. You lie on a table with your feet in stirrups.
2. The doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina to widen the walls and make the cervix visible.
3. They look through the colposcope at magnified images of your cervix, vaginal walls, and vulva.
4. They use a cotton swab to apply a vinegar solution to highlight any suspicious areas.
5. If they notice any areas of abnormal tissue, they do a biopsy to remove the tissue for testing.
6. If required, the doctor applies medication at the biopsy site(s) to stop bleeding.

The procedure takes place during a routine office visit and lasts only 10-20 minutes, after which you’re free to go.

Biopsy results usually take 2-10 days to get back and are either normal or abnormal.

A normal result means the biopsy didn’t show anything concerning, such as abnormal cells, and you don’t need treatment. This isn’t a one-time thing, though. You’ll still need to get periodic Pap smears and possible colposcopies to check for cervical cancer.

An abnormal result indicates the presence of abnormal cells, typically precancerous. You’ll  need either treatment or close monitoring to prevent the cells from turning cancerous.

If you’ve had an abnormal Pap smear and are wondering if you’ll need a colposcopy, Women’s Health Specialists PLLC, can help to clarify the situation. To learn more, call our office at 615-907-2040, or book your appointment online with us today.