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Female reproductive anatomy
Female reproductive anatomy
Colposcopy-directed biopsy
Colposcopy-directed biopsy
Uterus
Uterus


Colposcopy - directed biopsy

Alternative Names:
Biopsy - colposcopy-directed

Normal Values:

A smooth, pink surface of the cervix is normal. A biopsy is only performed when abnormal tissues are seen or suspected because of abnormal Pap smear results.



What abnormal results mean:

Abnormalities detected include cervical warts (human papilloma virus), precancerous tissue changes, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or invasive carcinoma (cancer). The colposcopy may be used to keep track of precancerous abnormalities and look for recurrent abnormalities after treatment.

Abnormal findings during a colposcopy include abnormal patterns in the blood vessels, whitish patches on the cervix, and areas that are inflamed, eroded, or atrophic (tissue wasting away). Any of these abnormalities may indicate cancerous changes.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include cervical dysplasia (indicated by abnormal Pap smear)




Review Date: 4/30/2004
Reviewed By: Robert L. Debernardo, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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