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It is a diagnostic procedure in which a physician uses a
colposcope, a magnifying microscope, to examine a woman’s
cervix and vagina for abnormal-appearing areas. This is frequently
done after a PAP test shows abnormal cell growth. A biopsy
may be taken for further study.
If a diagnostic biopsy is done, there may be dark vaginal
discharge afterwards. Your provider applied Monsel’s solution
to help stop the bleeding; this mixes with blood to yield
the dark discharge. There may also be some spotting for a
few days afterward.
You should not have sex or put a tampon or anything in the
vagina for a week following the biopsy because of the risk
of infections.
The colposcope is placed outside the body and never touches
the skin. The cervix and vagina are swabbed with dilute acetic
acid (vinegar) and are observed. Any abnormal areas will turn
white in color instead of the normal pink color. These abnormal
areas can also be identified by irregular pattern of the associated
blood vessels.
If the results are not normal, they may be:
- Precancerous tissue changes (cervical dysplasia)
- Cervical Warts/HPV (human papilloma virus)
- Cancer
A number of treatment plans exist to treat the abnormal area
once it is identified. Your provider will discuss these alternatives
with you.
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