Colposcopy

A Pap smear is a routine screening test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix. If your Pap smear results come back as abnormal, or if you test positive for high-risk strains of HPV, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. However, it does mean the cells need to be examined much more closely.

A **Colposcopy** is a highly effective, non-surgical diagnostic procedure used to closely examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease. At Prakash Hospital, our gynecologists use a specialized magnifying instrument called a colposcope to illuminate and magnify the tissues, allowing them to spot precancerous changes that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

If any abnormal areas are spotted, we can take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) right then and there, ensuring you get accurate, early diagnosis and peace of mind.

The Setup: The procedure feels very similar to a regular Pap smear. You will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. A speculum is gently inserted to hold the vaginal walls open.

The Examination: The doctor positions the colposcope (which looks like a pair of binoculars on a stand) just outside your vagina. It does not go inside you. A special acetic acid solution (similar to vinegar) is gently washed over your cervix. This solution makes any abnormal, precancerous cells turn stark white, making them easily visible under the magnification.

The Biopsy: If white areas are seen, the doctor will use a tiny instrument to take a small pinch of tissue (biopsy) from the most abnormal areas. You may feel a brief, sharp pinch or cramp.