home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $Unique_ID{BRK01628}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Cervical Biopsy}
- $Subject{cervix biopsy Genitourinary System Special Procedures Laboratory
- Tests lab test gynecologist office uterus cancer cancers PAP smear stirrups
- biopsies colposcope colposcopes vagina vaginal cervical cryotherapy freezing
- freeze gynecological procedure coloscopy coloscopies}
- $Volume{J-14, P-14}
- $Log{
- Abrasion Biopsy of the Uterus*0001901.scf
- Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Cervical Biopsy
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: I have been informed by my gynecologist that she feels a biopsy of
- my cervix is necessary, but has told me that she can perform this in her
- office. Do you agree that this is OK and doesn't need a hospital?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: A cervical biopsy, which is done to check the opening of the uterus
- for cancer and other conditions, can easily be done in your doctor's office.
- In some cases, treatment can also be done in the office and you can go home
- immediately afterward.
- If your situation is proceeding as most do, your doctor has already done
- a PAP smear, which is a quick screening for abnormal cells in the mucus around
- the cervix, and the results came back positive for abnormal cells. She now
- wants to take a biopsy, a tiny piece of your cervix that is smaller than a
- nail clipping, in order to get a better idea of what is going on. The tissue
- sample will be evaluated by your doctor and a pathologist.
- For the biopsy, you'll be in the usual exam position, with your feet in
- the stirrups. Your doctor will wipe away the cervical mucus and may use a
- special viewing device, a colposcope, to take a close look at the vagina and
- cervix. The biopsy will be taken from any spots on the cervix that look
- abnormal. After you go home, if you notice any bleeding, call your doctor.
- If the biopsy shows there is no cancer and the area of abnormal cells is
- small, your doctor may treat you in the office using cryotherapy (or freezing
- technique). You're in the same position as for the biopsy and your doctor
- uses a device to freeze and kill the abnormal spots. Two days later, on a
- return visit, the site will be cleaned. A thin watery discharge may last for
- about two weeks after the procedure, which usually disappears by itself.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-