What Happens at Colposcopy?
The first part of the examination is very much like having a smear test, with a speculum being inserted into your vagina. It should be no more uncomfortable. At this stage we may take some swabs, and repeat your smear if they are required.
A solution of mild vinegar is then washed over the cervix, which may sting. This makes abnormal areas appear white. In most cases we will take a photograph of the area for our records, in case you return to colposcopy.
If your examination suggests that you have only minor changes, the colposcopist may take some small biopsies (these are samples of tissue approximately 2mm in size, which are taken quickly with only momentary discomfort). These will be done to assess the necessity for treatment.
If the changes seen during the examination are thought to be high grade pre-cancerous changes then we will recommend that you have treatment in the Colposcopy clinic during your first visit, using local anaesthetic, injected into your cervix. This feels like any injection. The treatment is called Diathermy Loop Excision (or LLETZ), which is where a wire loop is used to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix. It is very quick, effective and causes minimal discomfort.
Result can take up to 3-4 weeks, but as soon as we get them we will write to you. The letter will tell you what you have found and what needs to happen next. In some cases we may need to discuss your case at a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (see MDT section). If this happens we will let you know as there will be a delay in you getting your results letter.
A solution of mild vinegar is then washed over the cervix, which may sting. This makes abnormal areas appear white. In most cases we will take a photograph of the area for our records, in case you return to colposcopy.
If your examination suggests that you have only minor changes, the colposcopist may take some small biopsies (these are samples of tissue approximately 2mm in size, which are taken quickly with only momentary discomfort). These will be done to assess the necessity for treatment.
If the changes seen during the examination are thought to be high grade pre-cancerous changes then we will recommend that you have treatment in the Colposcopy clinic during your first visit, using local anaesthetic, injected into your cervix. This feels like any injection. The treatment is called Diathermy Loop Excision (or LLETZ), which is where a wire loop is used to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix. It is very quick, effective and causes minimal discomfort.
Result can take up to 3-4 weeks, but as soon as we get them we will write to you. The letter will tell you what you have found and what needs to happen next. In some cases we may need to discuss your case at a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (see MDT section). If this happens we will let you know as there will be a delay in you getting your results letter.