What does it mean if I need a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is used to find cancerous cells or abnormal cells that can become cancerous in the cervix, vagina, or vulva. These abnormal cells are sometimes called “precancerous tissue.” A colposcopy also looks for other health conditions, such as genital warts or noncancerous growths called polyps.

How painful is colposcopy?

A colposcopy is nearly pain-free. You might feel pressure when the speculum goes in. It might also sting or burn a little when they wash your cervix with the vinegar-like solution. If you get a biopsy, you might have some discomfort.

How serious is a coloscopy?

Colposcopy is a safe procedure that carries very few risks. Rarely, complications from biopsies taken during colposcopy can occur, including: Heavy bleeding. Infection.

Can colposcopy be normal?

Colposcopy results About 4 out of 10 women who have a colposcopy have a normal result. A normal result means your cervix appears healthy and you have a low risk of developing cervical cancer before your next screening test. Depending on your age, you’ll be invited for a cervical screening appointment in 3 or 5 years.

Should I be worried if I need a colposcopy?

Try not to worry if you’ve been referred for a colposcopy. It’s very unlikely you have cancer and any abnormal cells will not get worse while you’re waiting for your appointment.

What if my colposcopy results are bad?

It isn’t common to have problems after a colposcopy and biopsy. Rare risks include bleeding or an infection that needs treatment. Call your doctor or nurse if you have: bleeding that’s heavier than spotting — unless you think it’s your period.

What are the results of a colposcopy?

About 4 in every 10 people who have a colposcopy have a normal result. This means no abnormal cells were found in your cervix during the colposcopy and/or biopsy and you do not need any immediate treatment. You’ll be advised to continue with cervical screening as usual, in case abnormal cells develop later on.

How long is colposcopy recovery?

Following the procedure, a person should feel fine as soon as it is over. Light spotting or cramping may occur, but people can continue with their daily activities and do not need to avoid vaginal sex. However, if the doctor performed a biopsy, it can take 1–2 days to recover.

How long after colposcopy will I get results?

After a colposcopy, the doctor or nurse will often be able to tell you what they’ve found straight away. If they take a biopsy (remove a small sample of tissue to be examined in a laboratory), you may need to wait 4 to 8 weeks to receive your result by post.

What if cervical biopsy is positive?

After a biopsy, the tissue sample is examined under a microscope to look for changes or abnormalities such as cancer. If there are no abnormal cells, the result is reported as normal. An abnormal cervical biopsy means that there have been some changes to the cells in the cervix.

What should I know before going into a colonoscopy?

Low-fiber foods. Switch to low-fiber foods at least five days before your exam.

What does coloscopy mean?

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Colonoscopy or coloscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus.

What is the difference between a colonostomy and a colonscopy?

Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are screening tests that use a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end to look at the colon but differ in the areas they can see. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon, while a sigmoidoscopy covers only the lower part of the colon, also known as the rectum and sigmoid colon.

Why would I need a colposcopy?

A colposcopy can be used to diagnose: abnormal cervical cells, or precancer or cancer of the cervix, vagina, or vulva. genital warts. inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)