COLD KNIFE CONE BIOPSY
Cold knife cone biopsy is a minor outpatient surgical procedure performed in the
operating room under local or general anesthesia. It is a diagnostic test that
examines the histology of cervical lesions.
A cone-shaped tissue specimen is obtained with a scalpel by performing a
circumferential incision of the cervix with a diameter that is wider at the
cervical os and narrower toward the endocervical canal. The tissue is sent to
pathology for histologic diagnosis.
Wide-shallow cone is performed if the Pap smear shows changes more
severe than the colposcopically directed biopsy.
Narrow-deep cone is performed if a lesion extends from the exocervix into
the endocervical canal.
Long-term risks include cervical stenosis, cervical insufficiency, and preterm
birth.