What is colposcopy?

 Most abnormal Pap smears are not cancer.  Cancer is usually not found in Pap smears when a woman has been getting annual exams.  If you have gone more than three years without a Pap smear, then your chances of having cancer are greater.

Pap smears are only a screening test, therefore the results may need to be confirmed by additional evaluation.  Dr. Archer may want to take a closer look at your cervix to determine the cause of the abnormal results. If you have been referred to Dr. Archer by another physician for an abnormal Pap smear result, there are several abnormalities that may trigger the need for a more detailed exam.  Reasons for this procedure include Pap smear results which:

Coloposcopy is a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of abnormalities found in Pap smears. A colposcopy is a visual examination of the cervix--a relatively simple and only mildly uncomfortable procedure, performed in our office. The actual procedure lasts approximately ten to fifteen minutes.

A colposcopy is performed in a manner similar to a Pap smear.  You are positioned on the examination table in the same way. Dr. Archer will use a colposcope to view your cervix. A colposcope is a large, electric microscope that magnifies the cervix and is positioned approximately 30 cm from your vagina. A bright light on the end of the colposcope makes it possible for Dr. Archer to visualize your cervix.  You will be able to see the cervix as well, since the colposcope sends the picture to a camera.  Pictures of your cervix before treatment are helpful in determining the correct treatment and the success of the treatment. 

Another difference with colposcopy is that two solutions will be placed on your cervix. One solution, vinegar (3% acetic acid) is placed on the cervix which causes abnormal cells to appear whiter than surrounding cells.  Sometimes, abnormal blood vessel changes are also apparent. Abnormal vascular changes can occur in dysplasia.  A second solution, called Lugol’s solution, is then placed on the cervix.  Once again, the abnormal tissue appears lighter than the normal surrounding cervical tissue.

Near the end of the procedure, a small tissue sample or biopsy is taken from the whitest abnormal areas and sent to the lab for further evaluation. It takes approximately one week to get the results back from the laboratory.  You will be asked to make an appointment for that time to go over the results and plan whether any additional treatment is recommended.  Usually, if there is dysplasia, the next step is to have a LEEP performed.  If the biopsies come back either showing no abnormality or cervicitis, Dr. Archer will probably recommend a repeat Pap smear in three to six months, depending upon the circumstances.