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Colposcopy Cervical smears and colposcopy are part of the routine screening for prevention of cervical cancer. An abnormal result from your smear test usually means that small pre-cancerous changes have been found in the cells on the cervix (neck of the womb). Abnormal smears are quite common, over 100,000 patients are referred to colposcopy. Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix with a colposcope (a microscope with the aid of a bright light) which magnifies the area and allows the doctor to identify any abnormalities. For most women this is a painless examination, but you may find it a little uncomfortable. Colposcopy can be done safely during pregnancy and will not affect delivery of your baby, nor will it affect your ability to become pregnant in the future. Although for some women the changes in the cervix return to normal by themselves, other women will need some simple outpatient treatment. Colposcopy will help to show if you need any treatment. Patients with borderline or mild changes are closely monitored as the cells may revert to normal of their own accord. Patients with moderate (CIN II) or severe (CIN III) changes are advised to have treatment. The need for treatment, and the treatment to be given, will be fully discussed with you. You can usually be treated for most abnormalities as an outpatient, so you will not need to stay in hospital. However, sometimes it may be necessary to give a general anaesthetic. If, for example, you have laser treatment or are very apprehensive, you may be admitted as a day-patient. |
