Colposcopy Procedure Provides Thorough Screening for Women

It can be frightening if your gynecologist office calls to tell you that your Pap smear results were abnormal. However, this happens quite commonly. The majority of abnormal Pap smear results are not caused by cervical cancer, but are more likely caused by inflammation or exposure to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). To examine the cervix more closely, your Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN) will perform a colposcopy. The OB-GYN physicians and nurse practitioners at South Central Clinics offer this procedure to patients.

Bridget Cahill, FNP-BC, at Ellisville OB-GYN Clinic, explains the need for a colposcopy. “A colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix. Specially trained and experienced in the procedure, OB-GYNs use a microscope to look closely at the cells of the cervix in detail. The colposcope can greatly enlarge the normal view of the cervix to assess the problems.”

Your OB-GYN may order a colposcopy for several different reasons.  If your cervix appears abnormal during your pelvic exam or Pap smear or if you show signs of cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer, your provider may choose to do a colposcopy.  If you show evidence of HPV, or show first-time or repeat atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), depending on your current age, a colposcopy may be necessary.

“A colposcopy is a simple, 15 to 20 minute procedure that is painless and performed at your OB-GYN’s office,” states Cahill. “Within South Central Clinics, we offer multiple providers at Ellisville OB-GYN Clinic and OB-GYN Group of Laurel that provide the procedure. Patients can expect the colposcopy appointment to be similar to a Pap smear appointment.”

If during the procedure your provider finds a suspicious area, a small sample of tissue may be collected for testing. Your provider uses a biopsy instrument to remove a small piece of tissue. If there are multiple suspicious areas, your provider may take multiple biopsy samples. A colposcopy is considered a generally safe procedure with minimal discomfort.

The healthcare providers at Ellisville OB-GYN Clinic and OB-GYN Group of Laurel work together to provide the most advanced practices for patients. By offering procedures, such as a colposcopy, at both facilities, patients are able to receive quality healthcare services in their community. For more information on the procedure, please contact Ellisville OB-GYN Clinic at 601-477-2226 or OB-GYN Group of Laurel at 601-649-5421. For more information on healthcare services within the South Central Regional Medical Center health system, please contact our facilities listed above.