Colposcopy: This is a process for screening the cervix, vagina and vulva for any diseases. Abnormal results in Pap tests prompt to conduct Colposcopy.
Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure to examine the cervix, the tissues of the vagina and the vulva. The doctor gets a magnified and illuminatd view of these areas. This is necessarily done to detect the presence of lesions that can become malignant. Prevention of cervical cancer can be efficiently done with the help of Colposcopy. A Pap test is also conducted which is necessarily a screening test. The gynecologist can identify abnormalities with the help of this test. This necessitates the Colposcopy for a deeper probe.
During Colposcopy acetic acid is used to be placed on the cervix. Also the use of color filters and biopsy are done. Consequently the cervical cells are filled with water. The Colposcope instrument is then placed close to the vagina. It is a large microscope that has a bright light at its end helps the gynecologist to have a clear view of the cervix. Abnormalities are detected if white areas are visible. Similarly abnormalities in blood vessel changes are also detected. This evaluation helps the gynecologist to decide how to proceed with the treatment. Generally the abnormal areas are either destructed (ablation) or removed (resection).
