- Patients
- Cancer diagnosis
- Pathology tests
- Colposcopy
Colposcopy
A colposcopy helps to detect abnormal cells in the neck of the womb or cervix.
Diagnosis using colposcopy
A colposcopy is an examination of the neck of the womb (the cervix). It is done to look at abnormal cells that have been discovered in a smear test. A speculum is used, as it is in a routine smear test, but the colposcope that is used will be outside your body so that your gynaecologist can see the cervix. Therefore, it is not usual to use any anaesthetic in the process. A solution is gently applied to the cervix that will highlight abnormal cells.
During the examination, a sample of the tissue may need to be taken for further analysis or the abnormal cells may be removed. It is not a painful procedure but you may feel some discomfort.
Any more than this and you should tell your gynaecologist or nurse straightaway. Should your gynaecologist need to perform any further treatment during the process such as heat treatment, after discussion with you, a local anaesthetic may be used.
What to expect during a colposcopy
As with a routine smear test, the procedure will take place in a private room on an examination chair and you will be required to remove your clothing from the lower part of your body before the examination begins.
A colposcopy is usually a safe procedure but a small number of women may experience some bleeding after the procedure. Rarely, an infection may occur but this can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Your gynaecologist will explain to you any risks that apply to the procedure you will be having before it takes place.
Meet our doctors
Everything we do is focused on designing better care for our patients.
With a network of 14 specialist oncology treatment centres across the UK, we provide the most up-to-date treatments and technology as standard. We attract and retain some of the most experienced doctors in the country, who all have a passion for improving patient outcomes and specialise in the treatment of different types of cancer.
Read next
Doctors
Our doctors
GenesisCare works with many leading and experienced cancer doctors who share our commitment to providing excellent patient care
Centres
Our centres
With 440 centres across the world, we're continuing to diagnose and treat without delay, bringing specialist care closer to our patients in the UK, Spain, Australia and the US.
Cancer care
Exploring cancer care
We are the UK’s leading private provider of advanced radiotherapy and cancer care. We offer fast access to the latest technology and treatments that has been proven to make a difference.
Cancer care
How can we help?
Accessing world-class cancer care is easier than you think. Follow these easy steps to get treatment, tests and scans, or a second opinion at GenesisCare, and find out the different ways of funding your cancer care.
Patient support
Patient stories
We believe patients can be our teachers and trusted advisers, benefiting from their unique experiences.