The cervix is the opening to the uterus. It is located at the top of the vagina. The Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It is used to find changes in cervical cells that could lead to cancer. Cervical cancer screening includes the Pap test and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test.  Screening is important because cervical cancer often takes several years to develop, and cervical cancer causes no symptoms. Screening can detect these changes before they become cancer.

What is a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure to closely examine your cervix for abnormal growths or precancerous changes. A colposcope is a type of microscope that magnifies and illuminates the cervical tissues so that abnormal areas can be seen more clearly. Colposcopy allows Dr. Patel the ability to find problems that she cannot see without a colposcope.

Why is a colposcopy performed?

• When the screening reveals abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, colposcopy is performed to gain additional information about the abnormal cells.
• It may be recommended if you had a positive HPV test.
• It may also be used to assess other problems like genital warts on the cervix (human papillomavirus (HPV) infection) which is important because some types of HPV cause cervical cancer.
• Colposcopy can also be used to assess benign growths like polyps, pain, and bleeding in the vagina and external genitals.
• It may also be done to find out the results of treatment for a previously diagnosed condition.

What happens during a colposcopy?

A colposcopy is usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down and put on a gown. You will then lie on your back on an exam table, with your feet in stirrups.

After the pelvic exam, Dr. Patel will insert a speculum into your vagina to widen it so she can see the cervix. The colposcope is placed just outside of the vaginal opening. Dr. Patel will apply a mild solution of vinegar to your cervix with a cotton ball or swab. This makes abnormal tissues more apparent. It may be slightly irritating. You may experience some discomfort or cramping during the procedure, but this should only last a few minutes.

The doctor will look through the eyepiece and may take pictures of abnormal areas. Biopsies (tissue samples) may be taken during the procedure and sent to a lab for analysis.

After the procedure, you can get dressed and go home. You may have some spotting (light bleeding) for a day or two.

A colposcopy is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure. If you had a biopsy, you may experience some pain and discomfort for a day or two, and you may have a dark discharge from medication applied to stop any bleeding. Dr. Patel will provide additional post procedure information, including when to contact her if you have a problem like heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Biopsy results are usually available within a month. The results will determine whether you need treatment for any abnormalities. Dr. Patel’s office will contact you to follow-up.

If abnormal cells are found, how are they treated?

Dr. Patel may be able to treat abnormal cells early with one of the following procedures that are simple, safe, and effective.  The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the precancerous lesion.

• Loop electrosurgical incision procedure (LEEP): a medical procedure that uses a thin wire loop heated by an electrical current to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix.
• Cone Biopsy: a procedure to remove a cone shaped piece of abnormal tissue. It can be performed during LEEP, laser surgery or a cold-knife excision using a scalpel.
• Cryotherapy: a procedure that uses cold chemicals that can kill abnormal cells.
• Laser surgery: a procedure to vaporize abnormal cells.

Contact Dr. Patel to schedule your cancer screening tests today. Dr. Dwaita Patel is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at City OB+GYN in New York City, and a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG). She specializes in women’s health, and the full scope gynecological services, including routine exams, contraceptive counseling, breast and ovarian cancer screenings, osteoporosis screening, premenstrual syndrome management and more.

Dr. Patel is smart and kind and finds great joy and fulfillment in her work. She offers the full scope of obstetrics including pre-pregnancy, prenatal, labor and delivery and postpartum care for low and high-risk patients. She also offer medical treatments and minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic conditions. All deliveries and major surgeries are performed at Tisch Hospital/NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan.