The Papanicolaou test, much more commonly known as can detect cancerous or
precancerous cells on the cervix. The vagina is held open by a device called a
speculum, and the doctor swabs or scrapes cells from the cervix and the canal
to be observed under microscope. This is an office procedure which is usually
painless, although many women do report feeling discomfort or pressure.
Colposcopy is a procedure in which a colposcope (a sort of
magnifying glass) is used to closely examine the cervix. A biopsy
(tissue sample) will be taken of any abnormal areas. This can also be done in
the doctor’s office, lying in the same knees up position as the Pap smear and
with a speculum to hold the vagina open. If biopsies are needed, you will have
local anesthetic. If the abnormal cells go further up the canal than can be
seen with the colposcope, you will have a cone biopsy.
A cone biopsy is a minor operation in which the doctor cuts
out a cone of tissue from your cervix. The cone includes the whole area of the cervical
canal where there is a possibility of abnormal cells. Menstrual type pains are
frequently reported after this procedure and it is normal to have bleeding for
up to 4 weeks after.
This is usually done under general anesthesia. You might have a same-day
surgery hospital stay or you might stay overnight. The Pap smear and the
colposcopy can be given to pregnant women. The cone biopsy can weaken the
cervix and bring on a miscarriage, and there may be effects on future
pregnancies. All that being said, if your doctor suspects cervical cancer,
especially an advanced stage, it might be something that will be brought up as
a possibility and discussed.