COLPOSCOPY
Colposcopy is an outpatient office procedure. A binocular, short focal-length
instrument with built-in light source is used to look at the cervix through a
speculum. The purpose is to (1) visually identify where the abnormal Pap smear
cells originated, and (2) biopsy that area to send for histologic diagnosis.
The ectocervix is visually examined to localize areas of abnormal epithelium.
Dilute acetic acid is applied to the cervix to aid in the detection of dysplasia.
Areas of abnormal-appearing tissue that are biopsied include punctation,
mosaicism, white epithelium, and abnormal vessels. The specimens are sent to
pathology for definitive diagnosis.
Figure II-1-3. Colposcopy