Health Information Library
Cervical biopsy for abnormal cervical cell changes
Surgery Overview
A cervical biopsy removes part of the cervix so the tissue can be examined under a microscope. The amount of cervical tissue removed depends on the method used:
- A simple cervical biopsy removes a small piece of tissue from the surface of the cervix.
- An endocervical biopsy (endocervical curettage) removes tissue from high in the cervix by scraping with a scoop-shaped instrument (curet).
How it is done
A cervical biopsy can be done in your doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital as an outpatient procedure (you do not have to spend the night in the hospital).
You will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an exam table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups). Your doctor will insert an instrument with curved blades (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined. A vinegar solution (acetic acid) may be applied to the cervix to show the abnormal areas.
A cervical or endocervical biopsy may be done with an oral pain medicine but without an injection of numbing medicine (anesthetic) in the cervix (cervical block). Alternately, these procedures may be done with a cervical block along with oral pain medicine. An anesthetic ointment may be applied to your cervix before a biopsy. After the biopsy, a liquid (Monsel's solution) may be applied to stop bleeding.
A cone biopsy (conization) is a more extensive form of a cervical biopsy. It is called a cone biopsy because a cone-shaped wedge of tissue is removed from the cervix. Both normal and abnormal cervical tissues are removed. For more information, see cone biopsy.
A colposcope is used to magnify the tissues during these procedures.
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN | Last Updated: January 5, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Kevin Holcomb, MD - Gynecologic Oncology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
