'A doctor looking down a colposcope'
What is colposcopy?
Colposcopy ('coll-poss-co-pee') involves looking at your cervix
and the vagina with a colposcope, which is a magnifying instrument.
Often, women are sent an appointment to attend the Colposcopy
Clinic after a routine smear test.
Where is the NHS colposcopy clinic for Cambridge?
The colposcopy clinic for the Cambridge area is held at the Rosie
Hospital Outpatient Clinic, on the Addenbrooke's Hospital site.
Where can I get more information?
When you are sent your colposcopy appointment, you will also
be sent a booklet giving more information. This includes a phone
number, so that you can if you wish speak to the colposcopy nurse
and ask her any questions before you attend the clinic.
Why do I need to go to the colposcopy clinic?
There are several reasons why women are invited for an appointment
at the colsposcopy clinic - all of them include needing to look
carefully at your vagina and/or cervix:
-
Three 'inadequate' smears
You might be invited to attend the Clinic if three attempts
to take a smear test have failed
to provide a good enough cell sample for the laboratory. Because
of the additional equipment at the Colposcopy Clinic, they
have a better chance of either getting a good-quality smear,
or of using an alternative technique to examine your cervix.
-
Abnormal smear
You might be invited to attend the Clinic if a smear test
has shown some abnormalities of the cells. These smears need
further investigation because it is known that if they are
not treated some of these abnormal smears might progress to
cervical cancer in time.
What happens during the colposcopy examination?
At the Colposcopy Clinic we will explain to you what we would
like to do.
-
As for a smear test, you will
need to remove your shoes and pants.
-
For your comfort, you will lie on your back on a special
couch with your legs supported.
-
The examination itself takes about ten minutes and is similar
to having a smear test but using some additional equipment.
The doctor (or nurse) will pass a speculum into your vagina
so they can get a good view of your cervix. The colposcope
itself does not go inside you, it just gives a better view
of your cervix. If you wish, you can watch the procedure on
a TV screen next to the couch.
-
Smear test: A sample of cells can be taken, as for a smear
test - if this is the reason for the appointment.
-
Infection: If necessary, swabs can be taken to detect any
infection on the cervix.
-
Biopsy: A solution of mild acetic acid (like vinegar) is
gently washed over the cervix. This makes any areas that have
abnormal cells appear white. The colposcopist can then take
a tiny sample (a biopsy), which will be sent to the laboratory
for further testing.
What will happen after the examination?
After the examination, the colposcopist will explain what they
have seen and whether or not they think you will require any further
treatment at this appointment or later on.
Will I need further appointments?
Whether you will need further appointments depends on what is
found during the examination and from any biopsies taken. You
might be invited to make an appointment for further treatment
at this stage, or an appointment might be sent to you when the
result of the biopsy has been received. Usually, the results are
ready in about 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes, treatment is offered at
your first visit.
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