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A colposcope is a specialized instrument used to visualize the vagina and cervix, to diagnose abnormalities, or to test for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells
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What are highly technical apparatus used to diagnosed diseases of the internal organs?
The endoscope; colonoscope; colposcope. Can't remember more
What is the purpose of a colposcopy?
The colposcope helps to identify abnormal areas of the cervix or vagina so that small pieces of tissue (biopsies) can be taken for further analysis.
What is a collonoscopy?
Colposcopy is a simple, 10- to 15-minute painless procedure that is painless and performed in a gynecologist's office. You are positioned on the examination table like you are for a Pap smear, and an acetic acid (such as common table vinegar) is placed on the cervix. Your physician will use a colposcope -- a large, electric microscope that is positioned approximately 30 cm from the vagina -- to view your cervix. A bright light on the end of the colposcope lets the gynecologist clearly see the cervix. During the colposcopy, the gynecologist focuses on the areas of the cervix where light does not pass through. Abnormal cervical changes are seen as white areas -- the whiter the area, the worse the cervical dysplasia. Abnormal vascular (blood vessel) changes are also apparent through the colposcope. Typically, the worse that the vascular changes are, the worse the dysplasia. If your physician can view the entire abnormal area through the colposcope, a tissue sample or biopsy is taken from the whitest abnormal areas and sent to the lab for further evaluation. If you experience any pain during the procedure, it is not from the colposcopy itself. Your doctor may perform additional procedures at the same time, which may cause discomfort, vaginal bleeding or discharge
What is the name of the instrument used for examining the vagina and cervix uteri?
A colposcope (colpo -- vagina, scope -- instrument for viewing) is the medical term meaning instrument used to visually inspect the vagina and cervix. Colposcopy is used to detect abnormal areas of the vaginal and cervical skin, typically as a follow up to an abnormal pap smear. In a related thought, the instrument that is used to open the vagina during a pelvic exam is called speculum. The speculum is made of either metal or plastic and comes in different sizes. Speculum is also the term used for similar instruments to view the inside of the nose and other orifices.
Colposcopy - directed biopsy?
DefinitionA colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This helps your health care provider find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix.Alternative NamesBiopsy - colposcopy - directed; Biopsy - cervix - colposcopy; Endocervical curettage; ECC; Cervical punch biopsy; Biopsy - cervical punch; Cervical biopsyHow the test is performedYou will lie on a table and place your feet in stirrups to position your pelvis for examination. The health care provider will insert an instrument (speculum) into your vagina to open the vaginal walls and examine the cervix.The cervix and vagina are gently swabbed with dilute vinegar (acetic acid). This removes the mucus that covers the surface and highlights abnormal areas. Sometime an iodine-based solution (Lugol's) similar to solutions used for cleaning skin may also be swabbed on the cervix and vagina.The health care provider will place the colposcope at the opening of the vagina and examine the area. Photographs may be taken. The colposcope does not touch you.If any areas look abnormal, a small sample of the tissue will be removed (biopsy) using small biopsy forceps. Many samples may be taken, depending on the size and location of the area. Sometimes a tissue sample from inside the cervix is removed. This is called endocervical curettage (ECC).How to prepare for the testThere is no special preparation. You may be more comfortable if you empty your bladder and bowel before the procedure.You should not douche, place any products into the vagina, or have sexual intercourse for 24 hours before the exam. You should not be menstruating heavily. However, if you are at the very end or beginning of your regular period or you are having abnormal bleeding, you should still keep your appointment.You may be able to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) before the colposcopy. Ask your doctor if this is okay, and when and how much you should take.Tell your doctor before the test if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.How the test will feelThe placement of the instrument (speculum) to better see the cervix may be more uncomfortable than for a regular Pap smear.Some women feel a slight sting from the vinegar or Lugol's solution.The biopsy or curettage may feel like a pinch or cramp each time a tissue sample is taken. You may have some cramping or slight bleeding after the biopsy. Heavy bleeding is unusual; if you have bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, call your doctor. Do not use tampons or put anything in the vagina for several days after a biopsy.It is typical for women to hold their breath during pelvic procedures because they expect pain. Concentrating on slow, regular breathing will help you relax and relieve pain. Ask your doctor or nurse about bringing a support person with you if that will help.Why the test is performedColposcopy is done to detect either cancer of the cervix or changes that may lead to cancer at an early stage.This procedure is most often done when you have had an abnormal Pap smear. It may also be recommended if you have bleeding after sexual intercourse.Colposcopy may also be done when your health care provider sees abnormal areas on your cervix during a pelvic exam. These may include:Any abnormal growth on the cervix, or elsewhere in the vaginaGenital wartsor HPVIrritation or inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)The colposcopy may be used to keep track of HPV, and to look for abnormal changes that can come back after treatment.Normal ValuesYour doctor should be able to tell you about anything abnormal that was seen during a colposcopy. A smooth, pink surface of the cervix is normal.A specialist called a pathologist will examine the tissue sample from the cervical biopsy and will report to your doctor whether the cells appear normal or abnormal. Results of a biopsy most often take 1 - 2 weeks. If the biopsy results are normal, it means that no cancer or precancerous changes were seen in the cells.What abnormal results meanAbnormal findings that may be seen during the colposcopy include:Abnormal patterns in the blood vesselsAreas that are swollen, worn away, or wasted away (atrophic)Cervical polypsGenital wartsWhitish patches on the cervixAbnormal biopsy results may include:Cancer of the cervixCervical intraepithelial neoplasia (precancerous tissue changes that are also called cervical dysplasia)Cervical warts (infection with human papilloma virus, or HPV)What the risks areAfter the biopsy, you may have some bleeding for up to a week. You may have mild cramping, your vagina may feel sore, and you may have a dark discharge for 1 - 3 days.A colposcopy and biopsy will not make it more difficult for you to become pregnant, or cause problems during pregnancy.Call your health care provider if:Bleeding is very heavy or lasts for longer than 2 weeks.You have pain in your belly or in the pelvic area.You notice any signs of infection (fever, foul odor, or discharge).Special considerationsYou may have some bleeding after the biopsy for up to 1 week.You should not douche, place tampons or creams into the vagina, or have sex for up to a week afterward. Ask your doctor or nurse how long you should wait. You can use sanitary pads.If the colposcopy or biopsy does not show why the Pap smear was abnormal, your health care provider may suggest that you have a more extensive biopsy.See also: Cold knife cone biopsyReferencesAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 99: management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:1419-1444.Apgar BS, Kittendorf AL, Bettcher CM, Wong J, Kaufman AJ. Update on ASCCP consensus guidelines for abnormal cervical screening: tests and cervical histology. Am Fam Physician. 2009;80:147-155.Noller KL. Intraepithelial neoplasia of the lower genital tract (cervix, vulva): Etiology, screening, diagnostic techniques, management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2007:chap 28.
What is the test for cervical cancer commanly none as?
The test commonly known for screening cervical cancer is called a "Pap smear" or "Pap test." This test involves collecting cells from the cervix to examine them under a microscope for any abnormalities that could indicate the presence of cervical cancer or precancerous changes. Pap smears are crucial for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, as they can detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancerous lesions. In addition to Pap smears, HPV (human papillomavirus) testing may also be performed as part of cervical cancer screening, as HPV is a known risk factor for cervical cancer development. Regular cervical cancer screening, typically starting at age 21 or as recommended by a healthcare provider, is essential for early detection and effective management of cervical cancer. Hridayica
