Cervical cancer other diagnostic studies

There are other important diagnostic tools for diagnosing cervical neoplasia, these are include colposcopy and biopsy, cold knife conization, endocervical curettage. Cervical biopsy is the confirmatory test for the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer, this can be done in doctor’s office via colposcopy.

• This is often done through colposcopy, a magnified visual inspection of the cervix aided by using an acetic acid solution to highlight abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix.

• Other diagnostic procedures are loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP) and conization, in which the inner lining of the cervix is removed to be examined pathologically. These are carried out if the biopsy confirms severe cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.^[1]

• Biopsy: Most women have tissue removed in the doctor’s office with local anesthesia. A pathologist checks the tissue under a microscope for abnormal cells.
  • Punch biopsy: The doctor uses a sharp tool to pinch off small samples of cervical tissue.
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure(LEEP): The doctor uses an electric wire loop to slice off a thin, round piece of cervical tissue, this method allows deep excision of the transformation zone.
  • Endocervical curettage: The doctor uses a curette (a small, spoon-shaped instrument) to scrape a small sample of tissue from the cervix. Some doctors may use a thin, soft brush instead of a curette.
  • Conization: A conization, or cold knife cone biopsy, cone shaped samples are removed from cervix and allows for accurate examination of biopsy speciemen by pathologists.This can be done in doctor’s office or in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most significant complication of this method is hemorrhage. There is relative contraindication for pregnant women and also conization increase the risk of preterm birth. ^[2][3]

Colposcopy

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