Despite improved cervical screening in Anguilla, cancer of the cervix still affects residents on the island. Cancer of the cervix has several precancerous lesions that can be detected by various procedures and one of these is colposcopy.
What is colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a procedure done in females to closely examine the cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease. During colposcopy, your doctor uses a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope.
Your doctor may recommend colposcopy if your Pap test result is abnormal. If your doctor finds an unusual area of cells during your colposcopy procedure, a sample of tissue can be collected for laboratory testing (biopsy). The colposcopy procedure can be done in the doctor’s office and does not require you going to sleep (anesthesia). If done by an experienced health professional it usually takes between 10 to 15 minutes.
Is colposcopy available in Anguilla?
Yes. Gynecologists on the island are trained to use the colposcope. Colposcopy does not require you to be admitted to the hospital and can be done in the doctor’s office.
Why is colposcopy done?
Your doctor or gynecologist may recommend colposcopy if a Pap test or pelvic exam revealed abnormalities. Colposcopy can also be used to diagnose the following:
• Genital warts
• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis)
• Precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix
• Precancerous changes in the tissue of the vagina
• Precancerous changes of the vulva
Results of colposcopy
The doctor performing the colposcopy will explain the results of the procedure once the procedure is completed. If a cervical biopsy was done, this is sent off to the pathologist for a final diagnosis. Following the results of the biopsy, you might not need any further treatment. If the biopsy confirms precancerous cells your gynecologist might recommend one of the following options:
Cryotherapy. In this procedure, your gynecologist uses liquid gas to freeze abnormal cells from your cervix.
Cone biopsy. Your gynecologist cuts a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix to remove any precancerous cells. The abnormal cells are typically precancerous or cancerous.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). Your doctor removes abnormal cells with a wire loop that carries an electric current.
What are some complications of colposcopy?
If your doctor did not take a biopsy sample during your colposcopy, you would not have any restrictions on your activity once your exam is complete. You may experience some spotting or very light bleeding from your vagina in the next day or two.
If you had a biopsy sample taken during your colposcopy, you may experience the following:
• Vaginal or vulvar pain that lasts one or two days
• Light bleeding from your vagina that lasts a few days
• A dark discharge from your vagina
You can use a pad to absorb any blood or discharge. You should avoid tampons, douching and vaginal intercourse for a week after your biopsy, or for as long as your doctor instructs you to.
How accurate is colposcopy?
As with all tests there is always a very slight risk that the results are incorrect. Even after treatment, there is a chance that the abnormal cell on the cervix will come back even after your doctor has removed it. This why you should continue to have regular Pap smears. You should also see your gynecologist at regular intervals for a check-up.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost totally preventable. Having a colposcopy procedure is one of the ways to help prevent cervical cancer. The simple procedure can be used to diagnose precancerous lesions so that the gynecologist can then go on to treat these lesions, therefore preventing cervical cancer.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-eight years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
