What it is

• ➤ Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure used to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease, usually after an abnormal Pap smear or HPV test.
• ✦ A special magnifying instrument called a colposcope (similar to a microscope with a light) is used to illuminate and enlarge the cervical area, allowing doctors to see abnormal cell patterns.
• ➟ If areas look suspicious, the doctor may take a biopsy for further analysis.
• Important: A colposcopy itself is not a treatment, but a diagnostic step to confirm whether abnormal screening results indicate precancer or cancer.

Why it’s done

• ➤ Main purpose: Identify abnormal or precancerous cervical tissue following a suspicious screening result.
• ✦ Indications include:
  • ▪ Abnormal Pap smear (ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, etc.).
  • ▪ Positive high-risk HPV test.
  • ▪ Unexplained bleeding, especially post-coital bleeding.
  • ▪ Abnormal appearance of the cervix on routine exam.
• ➟ Benefits:
  • ✅ Provides direct visualization of cervical lesions.
  • ✅ Allows for targeted biopsy, improving accuracy.
  • ✅ Essential for guiding treatment decisions.
• ⟶ Limitations:
  • ▪ May not detect very small or hidden lesions.
  • ▪ Requires patient cooperation; mild discomfort possible.
• Bold takeaway: Colposcopy bridges the gap between screening and treatment—it provides the confirmation needed to plan care.

Alternatives

• ➤ Repeat Pap smear or HPV test: Sometimes recommended for minor abnormalities.
• ✦ Endocervical curettage (ECC): Collects cells from the cervical canal, often performed during colposcopy.
• ➟ Watchful waiting: In selected young patients with mild changes, doctors may delay invasive testing.
• Important: Colposcopy is the gold standard for investigating abnormal screening results—alternatives are limited.

Preparation

• ➤ Schedule: Best done when not menstruating (mid-cycle is ideal).
• ✦ Avoid for 24–48 hours before test:
  • ▪ Sexual intercourse
  • ▪ Vaginal creams or medicines
  • ▪ Tampons
  • ▪ Douching
• ➟ Tell your doctor if you:
  • ▪ Are pregnant (colposcopy is safe, but biopsy may be limited).
  • ▪ Take blood thinners.
  • ▪ Have bleeding disorders or immune conditions.
• → Bring: Prior test results (Pap/HPV), medication list, ID/insurance.
• Important: Some women feel anxious—light meal, hydration, and relaxation techniques can help.

How it’s done

• ➤ Step 1 – Positioning: You lie on the exam table with feet supported.
• ➟ Step 2 – Speculum insertion: Opens the vagina so the cervix is visible.
• ✦ Step 3 – Application of solutions:
  • ▪ Acetic acid (vinegar-like solution) → turns abnormal cells white.
  • ▪ Lugol’s iodine solution (sometimes) → stains normal cells brown, leaving abnormal areas unstained.
• ➤ Step 4 – Examination: The colposcope magnifies the cervix, and the doctor carefully inspects for abnormal patterns.
• ✦ Step 5 – Biopsy (if needed): A small tissue sample is taken. This may cause brief pinching pain and spotting.
• → Duration: 10–20 minutes total.
• Important: Colposcopy does not cut or burn tissue unless a biopsy is done.

Recovery

• ➤ After procedure without biopsy: Resume normal activities immediately.
• ✦ After biopsy:
  • ▪ Mild cramping or spotting for a few days.
  • ▪ Vaginal discharge (from solutions used).
  • ▪ Avoid tampons, intercourse, and douching for 5–7 days or as advised.
• ➟ Results:
  • ▪ Normal → return to routine screening.
  • ▪ Abnormal → further treatment (cryotherapy, LEEP, laser, or surgery).
• ⟶ Call your doctor if:
  • ➤ Heavy bleeding (soaking pads).
  • ➤ Severe abdominal pain.
  • ➤ Fever or foul-smelling discharge.
• Important: Follow-up is critical—ignoring abnormal biopsy results can allow precancer to progress.

Treatment option in Korea

• ➤ Where available:
  • ▪ University hospitals and women’s health centers in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and other cities.
  • ▪ International clinics that cater to medical tourists with multilingual support.
• ✦ Why Korea:
  • ▪ State-of-the-art colposcopes and digital imaging systems.
  • ▪ Experienced gynecologic oncologists for precision diagnosis.
  • ▪ Fast lab turnaround (results in days, not weeks).
• ➟ If abnormal findings:
  • ▪ Cryotherapy or laser ablation for low-grade lesions.
  • ▪ LEEP or cone biopsy for high-grade lesions.
  • ▪ Multidisciplinary oncology care if cancer is confirmed.
• ⟶ International patient process:
  • ▪ Submit prior results electronically before travel.
  • ▪ Expect same-day colposcopy with optional biopsy.
  • ▪ Receive reports in English or other languages.
• Important: Korea’s bundled packages often combine Pap smear, HPV testing, colposcopy, and counseling—ideal for comprehensive women’s health checkups.